Churchfield Champ ran out the comprehensive winner of what looked a competitive 15-runner two miles handicap hurdle at Sligo.

Barry Cash made a decisive move on the Paul Gilligan-trained six-year-old as they approached the home turn and once the pair had got past frontrunner Pink Goddess before the last the result wasn’t in doubt.

There was money for the first home this morning as he was backed down from 14/1 to 9/1. He went off a 10/1 chance.

Churchfield Champ won his first race - on his seventh attempt - by two lengths. His form had been uninspiring though his fifth in a 15 runner maiden hurdle last time at Tramore gave a modicum of promise.

The win, however, was a surprise to trainer Paul Gilligan who said: “That was unexpected. His runs haven’t been great and he never showed anything at home. He’s the first horse that owner Sean Conroy has had with me."

Sean Conroy, from Portlaois, had two runners in the race. Harangue trained by Shark Hanlon, finished second last of the 15 runners.

First reserve Theonewiththeleg got in as Muskatsturm was a non runner. He was sent off 11/4 favourite but after being prominent throughout dropped away to come back eighth under Bryan Cooper.

Michael Graham