Story stays on best to score again for Gibney

The Tom Gibney-trained Story Rory stayed on best on the run-in to claim the Francie 'Banger' Burns Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

The veteran Snugsborough Benny kicked for home two from home and looked to have flown in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

He ran down the last, and was untidy, though and Darragh O'Keeffe got a good tune from Story Rory on the run-in as he got up for a length-and-a-half win.

The 5/1 winner was also successful at Ballinrobe back in late May before finishing third at the same venue last month.

Gibney said: " He travelled everywhere and jumped very well. Darragh, as per usual, gave him a peach of a ride.

"The trip was a little bit shorter than when he won at Ballinrobe but that wasn't going to be a problem.

"He's a lovely straight-forward horse and hasn't put a foot wrong since we got him, bar the first day when I ran him without a tongue-tie. I'm not sure how much improvement he has in him but there's only one way to find out and we'll keep going with him.

"I thought it looked a very competitive race and I was wondering should I have waited for an easier option, but he did it well and I'm thrilled to get another win with him."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)