Well behaved Sitcom takes Sligo opener

Unlike her main market rivals, Sitcom behaved herself as she took the opening race of the 2013 season at Sligo, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurdle, under Alan Crowe for Christy Roche.

Going out on the first circuit, Torn Asunder (6/4) ran off the bend and came to a halt but due to the slow early pace he was able to get back into the race.

The 5/4 favourite, Dr Machini then became very keen on the second circuit and pulled hard for a stage but she still looked the likely winner turning for home under Andrew Lynch for Willie Mullins.

She was leading coming down to last with Torn Asunder on her outside with the eventual winner was on her inside. A error at the last then put pay to Dr Machini’s chances as Sitcom stayed on best up the run-in to see off the challenge of Torn Asunder by two lengths.

Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner JP McManus, said afterwards; "We had a bit of luck in running. Alan gave her a grand ride and she got the run of the race. We will keep her on the go now for the summer."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee