Taj Crown off the mark in Sligo Claimer Runner-up on three of her previous starts, the Ken Condon-trained Taj Crown deservedly gained a winning bracket when getting up late to land the opening Carlsberg Optional Claiming Race at Sligo. Sent off 6/1, the daughter of New Bay held a decent early position, tracking the leaders under Billy Lee. Still moving nicely turning into the straight, the filly was produced to challenge Glittering Gem over a furlong from the finish. Getting to the lead over 50 yards out, Taj Crown stayed on to score by a neck. Billy Lee said: "Her form was good and it's good to get her head in front. "The last day at Ballinrobe, maybe it looked like she didn't quite go through with it, and in fairness she's had a few tougher tasks, but I got plenty of cover today and there was plenty to aim at, and she enjoyed that. "I had to sit and suffer for a while on the turn, but Sam (Coen, on Glittering Gem) was going forward and I was able to track him through. "She got a flick from Sam's stick and just shied for a moment, but she kept going well. "A mile and a quarter is a good trip for her and she liked the ease in the ground, although anything bar extremes is fine for her. "The ground is soft." The winner was claimed for 15,000 euro by Eamonn McElligott, to be trained by Patrick Neville in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, while third-placed Dark Summit will join Co Longford trainer Paul Flynn after being claimed for 9,000 euro by the Tuesday Club Racing Syndicate. (Quotes by Mark Nunan)
