After the misfortune of losing their stable stalwart Foildubh in the Galway Plate last week, the John Ryan team experienced the better side of the game when carrying off a Sligo double, highlighted by Kylecrue s win in the featured Guinness Sligo Handicap Hurdle.

David Mullins did the steering on this tough son of Gold Well, making it three wins from four runs, and bouncing back quickly after his eclipse at Cork only last Monday.

Andrew Lynch made all on Ryan's earlier victor, Jesmond Lodge and Mullins adopted similar tactics here. He had a very willing partner, staying on dourly to hold Face Value by three parts of a length.

"He is a real tough horse. He had a fracture and missed a year but he is back in business now," declared Ryan.

"The three miles was just too far for him the last day at Cork. The conditions of the race didn't suit him there either, and in fairness to Martin Burke he didn't give him a hard race when it wasn't happening and that's why we were able to come here today.

"He is as tough a horse now as you will get. He is from the family of Adamant Approach, his dam is a full sister to him.

"He might get a little bit of break now, he has won three times in three weeks! David rode Foildubh for me before but that is his first winner for me."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Off The Mark trained by C.Roche, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Report.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Off The Mark, trained by C.Roche, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

(DM & EM)