Kamino Bello benefits from cool Stone-Walsh ride Kamino Bello struck at the first time of asking over flights in the opener at Sligo this evening, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Fifth and third in two point-to-point's and sixth of seven in a bumper at Fairyhouse in January, the Gavin Cromwell-trained five-year-old tracked the leaders from flag fall under Conor Stone-Walsh. While the front pair kicked clear early on the final circuit, Stone-Walsh was content to bide his time on the successful son of Montmartre. Taking much closer order before two out and jumping that flight in third, he got to the front on the approach to the straight and was ridden clear on the run-in, easing to a 13-length win. Well-supported from 40s early, to a starting price of 17/2, Saint Peregrine couldn't match the winner approaching the last and ultimately had to settle for the runner-up berth under Liam McKenna for John Ryan. The Ian Donoghue-trained Parkgarve (11/1) was another five-lengths away in third, while 10/11 favourite Faithful Follower (9/4 early) could only manage fourth, fading tamely once headed after two out. "It was a good performance, I thought," the winning rider said. "We always thought he was a nice horse, he was disappointing in a few point-to-points but he did it well here today anyway. "He loved the nice ground and jumped very well for his first run in a maiden hurdle. "I thought we were going a grand normal speed and the two went at it when we passed the line with a lap to go. "I just left them off as I didn't want to gun my lad, I wanted to give him a chance to finish off and thankfully he did." STEWARDS REPORTS * P.M. O'Brien, rider of San Franco, trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly throughout. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after the start rounding the bend involving Faithful Follower, ridden by Conor Clarke, Maroto, ridden by D.P. Maxwell, and Monnow Valley (GB), ridden by Niall Moore where it appeared Conor Clarke had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Conor Clarke stated that he felt pressure from his left and had to take a pull. D.P. Maxwell stated that he had to take a slight check. Niall Moore stated that on jumping off his mount became a difficult ride and was hanging inwards. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards accepted that Niall Moore's mount was very difficult and took no further action. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
