Kate Knows Best at Sligo Providing John Ryan with his second winner in as many days, Kate Knows Best made the breakthrough in the DecoClip Construction Company Mares Maiden Hurdle. A runner-up three times from seven starts last year and a beaten favourite on her most recent outing at Ballinrobe in August, the seven-year-old was sent off a 3/1 chance this evening. Despite jumping left at times under Daniel King, the bay victor made virtually all. Pressed and joined by Kilbeggan winner Kabylia (11/4f) approaching the straight, she drew clear of that rival when ridden away from the last, coming home three-and-a-half lengths to the good. The Gavin Cromwell-trained runner-up was returned the 11/4 favourite under Keith Donoghue, while Irish Music (11/1) ran a fine race on debut, finishing another length away in third. "She's a lovely mare. She got a big splint last year after pulling up a bit lame in Ballinrobe and we minded her. We gave her loads of time," said Ryan. "She's a proper one, this is a good mare with a big heart. She's out of a King's Theatre mare and has a big pedigree. "I think she'll be special for those summer novices. She's not your normal one. "When that bumper winner came to her there she outstayed her." Additional reporting by Gary Carson
