Kevin Manning yesterday lost an appeal to the Turf Club against a two-day ban imposed by the Curragh stewards on July 25th, but before he misses Sligo tomorrow and Wexford on Saturday, he can pick up some expenses, courtesy of The Bomber Liston in the Tattersalls Race at this evening's Sligo fixture.

The Perugino colt is named after the former Kerry full forward Eoin Liston, and the great man was on hand to see "The Bomber" make his debut at the Curragh's Derby weekend.

He came with a good reputation but eventually faded to finish fifth to Fear And Greed but the third horse, Alexis, has since won at Galway. The Bomber Liston should improve significantly for that first effort and he raced like a horse who was not suited by the soft ground at the Curragh. Dermot Weld's Tianyi ran a fine race at Bellewstown when second over a mile, but with that first run under his belt, The Bomber Liston should be up to winning.

The apprentice champion Eddie Ahern has a fine record around the Sligo circuit and can add to that with a double, courtesy of Munasib in the Rosses Point Maiden and Stellissima in the Gurteen Handicap.

David Hanley's Munasib threatened to win a race last year but didn't cut much ice when nearer last than first in a Curragh handicap in May. Still, there is evidence of talent there and, in a weak contest, he is preferred to Kenema.

Stellissima finished behind stablemate Schust Madame in a Killarney claiming race last time but didn't have the smoothest of passages. Michael Grassick's horse has his share of weight but is preferred to Dawn Project.

Francis Norton, who gave up his rides at Bath yesterday after failing to be passed fit by the racecourse doctor, following a fall on Sunday.