Hass takes Galway opener

Jim Gorman’s Hassanali landed the first blow for the bookmakers at the Galway Festival when springing a 20-1 surprise in the G.P.T. Sligo Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by David Casey, he looked booked for second in the home straight as Mervyn Torrens’ Dancera, who had jumped for fun throughout, appeared to have the race in the bag.