Miss Palm justifies favouritism in Sligo opener

Miss Palm made the long journey from Co Wexford a worthwhile one for connections as she took the opener at Sligo this evening, the June 18th At Sligo Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Darrell Deacon, the grey daughter of Great Palm won two point-to-point's early last year, including the Gain Mares Final at Ballynoe.

She ran well on her last start at Tramore to finish third to Meitheamh and she was sent off the 5/2 favourite (opened at 3/1 on-course) today under Barry Geraghty.

She came with her challenge approaching the straight, coming between Theonewiththeleg and Our Ellie B and she hit the front before the last, going away on the run-in to win comfortably by six and a half lengths.

Our Ellie B (who was 11/2 this morning) finished second at 10/3 under Andrew McNamara for Tom Cooper while Theonewiththeleg (16/1) was a length and three parts back in third under David Condon for Kevin McDonagh.

Darrell Deacon said afterwards: "We're thrilled with that, she was very good to us last year. She won the Gain Mares Final at Ballynoe and its nice for her to have her first win on the track.

"I was a bit concerned about the ground but it dried just enough. She stayed on well at the finish and Barry said that a bit further would suit her.

"She might go over fences at some stage. With the ground being heavy I thought the two miles would be ok for her today. She was entered in Clonmel as well but the ground there is a bit firm."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson