Coolking proved strongest on the run-in to open his chasing account in the Sligo IT Student Day At Sligo Beginners Chase.

The King's Theatre gelding was making his first start for Dessie Hughes today and was given a well judged ride by stable pilot Bryan Cooper.

The eventual winner had chased front-runner Lady Olwyn throughout in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

He moved through to dispute at the second last but well-backed 2/1 favourite Kandinski (from 11/4, 7/2 in morning) appeared to be travelling the better on his inner.

That rival couldn't pick up on the run-in, however, as Cooper forged ahead on his mount in the closing stages for a two-and-three-parts of a length success.

The 7/1 winner was bouncing back to form on his first outing for his new yard having finished a poor enough fourth at Galway on his last start in early August.

“He jumped great. He's very tough and stays well,” said Cooper. “I winged the last which was a big help as well.”

Trainer Hughes is continuing his recovery from an operation a few weeks ago and Cooper added:- “This will be a good boost for the boss. He's running things around the yard and I'm sure he'll be back racing soon.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)