Despite a run just two days earlier, Deorai overcame signs of greenness to make much in the opening Steeplechasing Returns September 29th At Sligo Auction Race under Kevin Manning.

A beaten favourite at Cork on Sunday, here the nicely bred son of Choisir and that more than useful hurdler, Tropical Lake, was always on the gallop, he was definitely in front from Belleau over two furlongs out and despite drifting left inside the last he held off the gambled-on Gentleman Duke (4s this morning into 9/4 joint favouritism) by half a length.

After speaking to the trainer, Jim Bolger by phone, stable representative Ger Flynn said: "We'll see how the handicapper treats him now. He'll probably go for a nursery. He is a tough little horse and I think he's the only Choisir we have."

Deorai is a half-brother to that very-good racemare for Jim Bolger, Tropical Lady. Deorai was listed on the card as having an auction price of 12,000 Euros.