Moonlight Escape made it third time lucky over fences when landing the opening mares beginners chase at Sligo this afternoon.

Gordon Elliott 's charge was making her first start since finished well beaten in a similar event at Tramore back in June and went to post a 12/1 shot.

Davy Russell produced her to dispute after the second last and a better jump at the final fence gave her the advantage over 11/8 favourite Bargy Lady

The Court Cave mare stayed on well in the run-in to score by four lengths as Dawn Shadow plugged on again to claim the runner-up post. Bargy Lady faded into fourth.

Russell said afterwards:- “She had a couple of runs (over fences) and it just took her a while to get the hang of it but she schooled really well during the week and Gordon was happy.

“It looked a competitive race on paper so we were just hopeful of a nice run, and she’s done well to go on and win.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)