Morricone proved very game as he edged a good battle with Luimneach in the closing stages of the Francie 'Banger' Burns Handicap Hurdle at Sligo.

Liam Quinlan produced the 9/4 favourite to lead over the second last in the two-and-a-half mile contest but he was narrowly headed by the strong travelling Luimneach over the final flight.

The pair settled down to fight in out on the run-in with the Ray Hackett-trained Morricone finding a bit more late on to secure a half-length success.

Morricone had finished third at Galway on his return to action earlier in the month, when stumbling at the back of the second last.

Hackett said: "He's a very game horse and battled back well. On winter ground he's okay over two miles but it's a bit sharp for him when the ground is better, and he gets this trip well.

"He missed his prep for Galway when the ground was too quick at Killarney, but he still ran a solid race there.

"We might give him a short break and then head to Listowel. The lads had a couple of horses with me before that were so moderate, they wouldn't even bring in the cows for you, so they're having great fun with this lad.

"He was inclined to strike into himself at his front shoulders and a physiotherapist recommended that we use elbow boots which are used on trotters in France. We had to get permission to use them and they seem to have done the job."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)