Idlewild and Mckinley (nearest) jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins trained Mckinley made it third time lucky over flights as he took the opener at Sligo this afternoon, the Live The Dream With Tote 4yo Maiden Hurdle.
Formerly trained on the level by Paul Hickey the son of Kheleyf was well-beaten on his debut for Mullins at Killarney in May before putting in a much improved performance to finish third on his next outing at Tipperary.
He was sent off an easy to back 3/1 chance today, with Irish Bulletin going off the 8/13 favourite under Mark Walsh for Eric McNamara.
Ridden by Paul Townend the winner raced in second throughout and he came under pressure on the approach to the final flight.
He eventually got to the front on the run-in and kept on best in the closing stages to score by two and three parts of a length. Idlewild who attempted to make all, had to settle for second under Derek Fox for Mark McNiff at 33/1 while Irish Bulletin finished a disappointing third, a further two and a half lengths back.
Paul Townend said afterwards: "He was good from the back of the last. He has taken his time to learn about jumping and is progressing with every run."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
