Steps In The Sand gives trainer Cian Collins first double

Successful in a maiden hurdle earlier in the card, trainer Cian Collins recorded a double when Steps In The Sand kept on well to win Division l of the Kilcawley Construction Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

The five-year-old mare, who won on the flat for Collins at Southwell in March, opened her account over hurdles here having finished runner-up on her two most recent starts.

Despite being relatively easy to back on-course(sent off 7/1), the mare was always prominent in the first half dozen or so under Eoin Walsh.

Moving through to take 4th two out, Walsh disputed entering the home straight, leading at the last, before keeping on gamely to see off Craic Eile by two-and-a-half lengths.

Eoin Walsh said: "She's off the Flat and can be a little keen but, in fairness, she wears her heart on her sleeve and tries hard. It was her first time over the trip and she saw it out well.

Cian Collins added: "It's my first double, we've had a few chances for doubles before but they never came off, so I'm delighted to get it.

"I thought this trip would definitely suit her because in all her races she just seems to stay. She stays a mile and a half, mile and six on the Flat so I was confident she'd stay this trip and I think she can win again over it. She'll probably go back to the Flat again and we'll mix it with her.

"Eoin comes into me a day a week and is a very good rider."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.