RACING CORK REPORT:FRANCIS FLOOD'S Slievecorragh recorded his fifth win over timber with a battling display in the JP McManus Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

The six-year-old’s last start in the National Hunt sphere was at the Punchestown Festival in April, but fit from a run on the flat at Galway last week, the 3 to 1 chance was ridden prominently by Mark Walsh.

Cloone Rocket looked a major danger and even poked his head in front approaching the final flight, only for Slievecorragh to come back for more and get the better of the argument by a length and a quarter. Flood was represented by his son, Fran, who said: “He had to battle well to win today, but he was entitled to win on ratings.

“Handicaps are so competitive and difficult to win, but these conditions suit Slievecorragh nicely.

“I think he can still win a race on the Flat but there’s no real plans for him next.”

McManus did not have a runner in the race named after him but still enjoyed a successful day, with trainer Niall Madden providing him with two winners.

First 2 to 1 favourite Salesin completed a hat-trick in the Cork Handicap Hurdle, pulling right away in the home straight to score by 15 lengths under the trainer’s son Niall “Slippers” Madden.

“I was surprised Salesin won as there is a cut in the ground here and all his best form had been on firm ground,” said Madden senior. “We’ll have to go home and think about things now and he may go back chasing soon.”

The Maddens and McManus went on to complete their brace in the Mallow Hurdle as 7 to 2 chance Ainama made an impressive debut for the yard. The six-year-old had failed to live up to his early promise in the latter stages of his stint with Nicky Henderson but this nine-length romp showed he still retains plenty of ability.

“He wasn’t working brilliantly and I was more hopeful than confident he would win – I’ve no plans from here,” said Madden.

Cnoc Rua ran his rivals a merry dance in the opening Killetra Maiden Hurdle. Tim Doyle’s 11 to 2 chance was sent straight to the front by Michael Darcy and after building up a commanding lead had enough in hand to overcome a final-flight blunder and beat Delphi Mountain by five and a half lengths.

The gelding’s next appearance is at today’s Doncaster Sales.