Cullen has Galway on his mind after Cornmarket does it again at Sligo

Cornmarket continues to do his bit to put Ballina handler John Cullen's name up in lights and he went back-to-back at Sligo in the Kilcawley Construction Handicap Hurdle, again with 7Ib claimer Alan King in the plate.

Eventual runner-up Angelsworknovrtime really put it to favourite Cornmarket, when going for her race before the last, but he picked her up readily enough on the run-in to gain the day by three and three parts of a length.

Despite a starting price of 22/1 Cornmarket was far from ignored in the market when triumphant over this track and trip in May, and the son of Elzaam is clearly thriving, much to the delight of his connections. He's given his handler his first two winners.

“Alan rode him very well again. I was a bit worried about the ground, but he seemed to handle it. I think he could be a better horse with a bit more ease in it," said Cullen.

“It could be tough to get in to Galway but that’s on my mind and we’ll see what happens. He can always come back to Sligo.”

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident before the home bend involving Garadice ridden by B.W. Harvey, unplaced, Mother Ship ridden by P. Hanlon, placed third and Cornmarket, ridden by A.M. King, placed first, where it appeared Mother Ship ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B.W. Harvey stated that he maintained his line and suffered no interference. P. Hanlon stated that he felt pressure from Cornmarket and had to take a check. A.M. King stated that he maintained his racing line and that he thought he was clear. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found A.M. King in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

P. Hanlon, rider of Mother Ship, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he had to take a check before jumping the second last.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Wendell's Lass (GB), trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

K. Callaghan, rider of Whatyouwant trained by Gerard Kyne, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

P.M. O'Brien, rider of Annalough trained by Mark Michael McNiff, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

(AM & EM)