SOUL Searcher sprung a 14/1 surprise under Rory Cleary in the featured Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Connacht Oaks Fillies Handicap at Sligo. Home-bred at owner Wendy and Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud, she was recently brought back from France where she had three outings.

Trainer Johnny Murtagh saddled Soul Searcher, three times a winner in England in 2015, as well as 3/1 chance Sister Blandina. The latter finished fourth for Niall McCullagh. Up front Soul Searcher asserted well inside the last to beat Ringside Humour by two lengths. Well-backed 7/4 favourite Lagostovegas was seven lengths back in third.