Martin Harley who broke vertebrae in his back in May of this year made a welcome return to winner’s enclosure after he came in front of the Course Signage At Sligo Handicap aboard the Matthieu Palussiere trained Leah Claire

Harley raced the daughter of Tomba in rear before making progress to join leaders entering straight and kept on well to lead close home for a one and quarter length win over Inishtearaght

Winning trainer Palussiere said afterwards: “I was a bit afraid of the ground today but she’s tough and genuine.”

“I’m delighted for the owner Frank McNulty who is a good supporter of mine. He bred this filly and he also had the Dam who won nine races for him.”