Slane slips rivals in first time blinkers

Slane Hill led his rivals a merry dance to claim the Lisadell Equine Hospital Handicap Hurdle at Navan.

Michael O'Sullivan 's mount jumped to the front at the first flight in the two-and-a-half mile contest and went a few lengths clear after the next hurdle.

Barry Connell 's charge stretched his advantage going away from the stands and the 9/1 shot had his rivals at work jumping the second last.

O'Sullivan kept his mount going from the final flight to record a nine-length victory over 4/1 favourite Burru

The winner was sporting blinkers for the first time this afternoon and Connell said:-

"The plan wasn't to go and do that. He jumped out and nobody went on - funny enough, you think it is a track where front-runners wouldn't do well, but I think they have a reasonably good record.

"Punchestown, in a chase, he came to the second last and he sprawled on landing, and he just seemed to lose his confidence after that.

"The last couple of runs, he was travelling well in the race but he just wasn't finishing his race out.

"We stuck a pair of blinkers on him there and it sharpened him up.

"He has plenty of ability but he is a little bit of a thinker.

"He jumped great and he was able to take him back in between (hurdles).

"He's a handicapper and we will mix it between hurdles and fences, we haven't got any great ambitions for him.

"Hopefully, that will give him his confidence back.

"Job done anyway."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)