Review SLIGO 3RD OCT

Stamina was the order of the day as testing conditions prevailed once again for the final meeting of the year at Sligo on Wednesday.

The opening 1m2f maiden produced a nail biting finish with Bidalia just holding persistent challenger Siege Of Ennis.

Michael Grassick's charge had hit the lead before the straight, under Seamus Heffernan, but was strongly pressed on the run for home by the well-backed Siege Of Ennis (6/4 to 1/1f).

The Albert Finney-owned daughter of Danehill Dancer got the verdict after the pair flashed past the post locked together.

'She was a bit unlucky on her first run here as she got a bit boxed in,' said trainer's son Michael junior. 'That's it for the season and she should be a nice filly next year.'

Grassick was denied a quick double when Sliver Tide was collared close home by Sonnium in the following handicap.

Declan McDonogh got a nice run up the rail to deliver the Willie Mullins-trained gelding with a perfectly timed run and score by half-a-length.

Wayne Lordan received a one-day careless riding ban aboard Silver Tide after the filly drifted left in the final furlong and caused interference to a few of her rivals.

Lordan had better luck in the following Foley's Bar & Off Licence Handicap as Vintage Port charged down the centre to run out a convincing winner.

Thomond O'Mara's charge came with a strong run turning in and galloped on strongly to score by three-and-a-half lengths over Lynott.

Diyla looks set to go jumping after a convincing win in the Marc McSharry Properties Maiden.

Rory Cleary kicked on before the bend on the filly and she stayed on strongly down the straight to post a five-and-a-half length victory.

'She was a bit unlucky at Tralee (when second). She will go hurdling shortly,' reported winning trainer Michael Flannery.

Rinroe (5/4f) was sent off a warm order for the maiden hurdle and duly obliged in good style.

Paul Carberry could afford to ease down close home after Noel Meade's charge went on before the last for a cosy six-length success.

De La Rue (2/1f) had also prevailed for favourite backers in the preceding handicap hurdle but was made to work hard in the closing stages for a head verdict as Monahullan Prince threw down a strong challenge.

Tuatha De Danann ran out the easiest winner of the night in the concluding handicap hurdle.

Davy Russell sent his mount on two out and the Tony Mullins-trained mare didn't have to come off the bridle to score by 12 lengths.