Trainer Michael McDonagh ended a long lean spell when Senor Benny landed a gamble in the Friars Lodge Nursing Home Handicap at Sligo.
Niall McCullagh produced the entire to lead turning into the straight and kept him up to his task to repel the challenge of Togher Castle by a length.
The winner was backed from 16/1 to 12/1in the ring but supporters had been busy before racing. 'We had a few quid at 20s this morning and everyone got a few quid off him. He just wants that ground. It's my first winner for 15 months and it's well overdue,' said McDonagh.
McCullagh had employed similar tactics when initiating a double on Nebraska Lady (6/1) in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden. The filly got a lovely run up the rail to lead in the straight and beat Miss Sally by a comfortable four-and-a-half-lengths.
'The Tipperary run (on her debut) was a good positive run as she was prominent throughout and she has obviously come on a bit from that,' said winning trainer Pat Martin.
20/1 shot Miss Megs made all under Stephen Hunter to take the CP Supplies Handicap. Orpailleur (9/2f) looked a big threat before the turn but found little when ridden.
Blanco squeezed up the rail to led turning for home in the Armstrong Ceilings Claiming Race and give local trainer Michael Flannery a popular victory. The winner was claimed by Michael Hourigan for 14,500.
Mise Rafturai jumped well to make a successful debut over fences in the Gypsum Industries Beginners Chase. Paul Nolan's gelding hit the front before two out and stayed on well when challenged by Hannon after the last for a half-length victory.
Alota Baby (7/1 to 3/1f) landed another nice gamble when taking the Capco Roofing Handicap Hurdle for trainer Charles Byrnes
