Eight isn't too late as Casey claims the feature event

While the action at the Curragh was undoubtedly of a higher standard, Sligo hosted a much anticipated first meeting of 2017, with a good-sized crowd enjoying the summer sun and family fun day.

Peter Casey, who guided Flemenstar to plenty of memorable successes, was responsible for the winner of the feature Kilcawley Construction Opportunity Handicap Hurdle as Eight Till Late finished with a flourish under Andrew Ring.

A delighted Ring said: "That was a good performance and he'll win a nice race around Galway time – he has a grand mark over fences and hurdles."