Cherry Red more than ripe in Sligo A return to racing under rules for Davy Christie's Cherry Red proved lucrative as she delivered in the mares' maiden hurdle at Sligo. The 28/1 chance took over at the head of affairs from Bangor Lady after three out and was on good terms with herself at the penultimate hurdle. She jumped that well and Ben Harvey saw the chance to push her clear of the field. She didn't relent as she rounded the home bend nicely clear. Clash Gold and Scathach jumped it in second and third respectively but couldn't land a glove on the winner who galloped in by four lengths having been very easy-to-back. Clash Gold was best of the rest at 7/1 and was three-quarters of a length up on third-placed Scathach (11/4f). Harvey said: "I watched back her point-to-point at Kirkistown and she was a bit unlucky, it looked like she might have won when she slipped up on the bend after two out (unseated rider). Then she needed the run at Necarne the last day (pulled up). "She was sixth to Facile Vega in a maiden hurdle (Fairyhouse, December 2022) as well, and this didn't look a great contest. "I was happy with how she did it, ears pricked the whole way. She got into a great rhythm, jumped well, and picked up well. "David thought the trip would be a bit sharp, so I was happy to make plenty of use of her. A longer trip would be no harm to her. "It's only her third run for David, so he might have a bit of fun with her through the summer. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
