Pat Garrett and Paul Carberry keep Roving Lad at Bay in Sligo's opener© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Carberry continued his red-hot form when partnering Pat Garrett to a pillar-to-post victory in Sligo’s two miles two furlongs maiden hurdle.
It was the jockey’s eighth win in a golden two-week-period and he was seen to good effect on the Noel Meade-trained five-year-old gelding as he kept enough in reserve to fend off Roving Lad and Barry Cash who joined him at the last.
Pat Garrett was returned at 20/1 from 25/1 on course and won by a length from Roving Lad (14/1). Penny’s Tune came home third a further two lengths away at 16/1.
Noel Meade said: “There might be better horses but there are few better looking horses. He has always shown plenty at home but hasn’t showed it at the track.
“He will probably go over fences now and he seemed to appreciate better ground.” Alexandr Nevsky (11/8 favourite) and Caballo De Marcus (3/1) dominated the betting in the 11-runner contest, but the favourite faded out of contention at the home bend to finish fourth. Caballo De Marcus was beaten a long way out and finished ninth.
Tote players were obviously clued in on the winner as he only paid just over 11/2 there.
Michael Graham
