Fences make a Man of Nolan's charge Only For Our Man asserted on the run-in to make a winning start over fences in the Frank O’Beirne Memorial Beginners Chase at Sligo. Paul Nolan’s charge had been very consistent over hurdles and went to post a well-backed 11/4 on his debut over the larger obstacles. There was drama three from home as Down Around crashed out when coming to lead. Walkingmayotomilan was hampered and brought down there as well. Only For Our Man came to challenge two from home and tackled front-runner Affinity Rock turning for home. The Yeats gelding got on top in the closing stages, for Sean Flanagan, to post a two-and-three-quarter length success. Flanagan said:- "The owner Patrick Carberry is from Armagh, the same as my wife! "He's funny oul horse and needs a bit of codding along early. He jumped very well, just a bit deliberate at one or two. "James (Nolan) told me it might be no harm to challenge a bit wide, as he mightn't be the strongest in a battle, so I pulled wide of Jordan (Gainford, on Affinity Rock) after the last and he went on about his business. "He'd been knocking on the door over hurdles, but was finding it hard to win. He's a massive, big horse and might just do better now over fences." (Quotes by Mark Nunan)
