The Striker Dylan hits the target at Sligo Second three times over hurdles last year and just touched off when again runner-up on his chasing debut at Wexford, The Striker Dylan (5/2 fav) wasn't winning out of turn when landing the Frank O'Beirne Memorial Handicap Chase at Sligo. Brian Hayes tracked the leaders on the Affinisea gelding and produced him to lead on the run to the last. Ridden out on the run-in, the seven-year-old stayed on well to post a length and three-quarters victory over Due Course. Trainer Liam Cusack said: "He came up against a few improvers over hurdles. When we started schooling him over fences, he jumped well and he ran a lovely race in Wexford. "We quietly fancied him but it's very competitive in Ireland, so any day you have a winner is a good day. "The ground is slightly slower than he'd like. He got in close to a couple but it was only his second start over fences. He'll have plenty of options including novice handicaps. "I'm delighted for his owner John Murray. His grandson Dylan is here. He's a good soccer player, and is a striker, hence the name!"
