A farcical situation developed at Sligo yesterday when no less than 32 horses were withdrawn due primarily to the poor state of the ground. Officially described as good to firm, a depleted programme went ahead as planned although there was some talk of the meeting being abandoned beforehand.

Michael Grassick along with Michael Byrne and Frank Berry, representing their colleagues, complained to the stewards regarding the condition of the track describing it as firm and rough. The stewards noted their concern and assured them a report would be forwarded to the Registry Office so the matter could be investigated further.

The ground condition failed to detract from Michael Holden's Magical Peace who opened her account in the Strandhill Maiden over six and a half furlongs with an emphatic 14-length victory in the hands of Kevin Manning.

"She deserved that as she was unlucky to come up against one too good on her last two runs," said Holden, who added on future plans, "She's got plenty of pace and we'll find a handicap for her next. It's possible we may bring her back to five furlongs."