Ballyfinboy (Kevin Sexton) gets the better of Davina's Tip© Photo Healy Racing
< Ballyfinboy was all heart when coming out on top in the feature race at Sligo, the Martin Reilly Motors Hyundai i40 Handicap Chase.
The nine-year-old was involved in a protracted duel up front with Davinia's Tip throughout the 2m2f contest and that pair looked vulnerable when joint-favourite Drumlee arrived on the scene approaching the final bend.
However, the 9-1 winner found plenty for pressure, taking the lead after the last before grimly holding on by half a length as Drumlee threw down one final challenge on the run-in.
There was late drama in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase as Jesmond Lodge crashed out at the final fence to hand victory to Perfect Woman (3-1 fav).
The two were having a good battle until that tumble allowed Mark Walsh to steer his mount to a two and a half length success, the first leg of a treble for the jockey.
The second leg came thirty minutes later as Badgerfort produced a strong finish to deny the sweet-travelling Vicangelome by half a length in the Frank O'Beirne Memorial Beginners Chase.
The latter looked set for victory when cruising to the front after the second last but Walsh found a willing partner in Badgerfort who stayed on strongly in the closing stages to score at odds of 7-2.
Walsh had to wait until to final race of the afternoon to complete his hat-trick as Shantou Flyer just did enough to edge out Shadow Catcher by half a length in a thrilling finish to the Foley's Bar & Off License Chase.< Whisky Galore (12-1) appreciated the return to Sligo when claiming first prize in the IT Sligo Student Day At Sligo Races Novice Handicap Chase while Pencilhimin (5-1) was three lengths too strong for his rivals in the Why Not Sponsor A Race At Sligo Races In 2016 Handicap Chase.
