Ballybow (maroon and white) © Photo Healy Racing
Sligo's 2024 finale was a competitive five-runner bumper which went to Gordon Elliott /a>'s Ballybow (11/4) under Harry Swan.
Gigginstown House Stud's Flemensfirth gelding had been runner-up in both point-to-point starts for Cormac Abernethy and here, on rules debut, was handy throughout. Going on entering the straight, he was ridden out to defeat market leader Coral River by a length-and-a-quarter.
"He stays well and we didn't go that quick," said Swan.
"I would have liked a nicer lead, to be honest, and when he hit the front he was still plenty green, but I liked the way he did it. He was genuine and stayed at his task well
"I think there's still plenty of improvement to come from him."
