First treble for Pat Martin

DUNBOYNE trainer Pat Martin recorded a 1,325 to 1 mixed treble yesterday afternoon at the concluding meeting of the year at Sligo.

Go Sasha, ridden by Martin's younger brother, Tom, upset the experienced Evriza in the opening three year old maiden hurdle when staying on well under pressure to score by one and a half lengths on his hurdling debut.

Strawberry Beds landed the Tattersalls race, the middle leg of Martin's first treble, to initiate a double for promising apprentice Eddie Ahern.

The 12 to 1 chance survived a stewards' inquiry into possible interference to the runner up, Geimhriuil, inside the furlong pole.

The treble was completed in the Ballymote Handicap by Island Rock, who kept responding to Aherne's persistent urgings to just shade the verdict on the line from Toy's Away, ridden by apprentice Francis Berry.

"We thought coming here she would win, but I never expected the other two runners would score as well. It's great for the stable and we'll have a good celebration tonight," said Martin.

Difficult Times, a tough and versatile performer, defied topweight with a brave performance under Shane Lyons, edging ahead with a circuit to race in the Strandhill Handicap Hurdle.

Winning trainer Ger Lyons, brother of the winning rider, said: "He hated the ground but he's very brave. That's his 17th run for me and he's rarely finished out of the first four home."

Lyons was disappointed with the performance of Scottish Mist in the Tattersalls race after the Digamist filly trailed in ninth after starting favourite, but she was subsequently found to be lame.