Alan Crowe, Christy Roche and JP McManus teamed up for a double as Poc Fada and Found Gold opened their hurdling accounts at Sligo yesterday.
Poc Fada (5/4f) was returning from a 715-day absence but put in a stylish performance to lead two out in the Glenman Corporation Maiden Hurdle and record a comfortable seven-length success over Best Away.
'He had a leg and it's good to see him back. Providing he stays sound he'll be kept going during the autumn,' said Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus.
Found Gold (9/2) found his task made easier when Legendsofthefall slipped up round the bend going out on the last circuit in the Martin Reilly Motors BMW Maiden Hurdle. Crowe's mount was left in the lead and never had any serious challengers, staying on well for an eight-length win over Dasher's Gift.
Colm O'Donoghue picked up a one-day ban after the winning ride on Mount Grace in the Come Racing At Sligo Handicap following interference with the fourth-placed Slightly Shifty.
Pat Smullen was the winning breeder as Arcelie claimed the Riverstown Claiming Race for Francis Crowley while Brazilian jockey Diego Dias rode his second winner in Ireland aboard Dunsinane in the Cleveragh Handicap.
