Progressive Radar Ahead makes breakthrough at Sligo The Racing TV Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle at Sligo saw Radar Ahead shed her maiden tag in style, in the hands of Darragh O'Keeffe for trainer Tom McCourt. Off the mark after a dozen attempts, the Elaine Shevlin and Cormac Farrell-owned four-year-old left favourite Spick And Span behind on the run-in for a five and a half length win. “I was in two minds with the ground and didn’t know whether she wanted it too quick, but Darragh wasn’t worried about it," said McCourt.   “She has stepped on a lot from when he rode her in Ballinrobe. She has really come to herself, and I thought her run in Bellewstown the last day was very good.   “Her jumping today was very good for her first handicap. She’s a lovely mare to have and is capable of winning on the Flat as well.   “The owners are mad to have a runner in Cheltenham, so we’ll look at November if things go the right way.” Paul Traynor, trainer of Fiver Friday, reported to the Clerk of Scales that following endoscopic examination his charge was found to have mucus on her lungs post race. (AM & EM)
