Art Of Silence quietens odds-on backers in bumper

There was a thrilling finish to the concluding McHale Orbital 4-y-o Flat Race with less than a length and a half covering the first five home.

Willie Mullins saddled the first two in the market, 8/11 favourite Vadsa Queen and Rocco Bay, but neither was placed as 33/1 chance Art Of Silence in front before the straight, battled on well for Johnny Barry to see off many challengers in the final furlong. He got home by a head and a neck from fellow outsider Western Comandor and Finnthemagician

Winning trainer Gerry Keane said: “He’d a nice run in Down Royal where he pulled too hard and didn’t get home. We thought if he improved on that, he might be third to Willie’s pair. Johnny (Barry) liked him that day and rang me a few days ago looking to ride him again which was a good sign.

“He was left in front a long way out which wasn’t ideal, and the horse running of the bend wasn’t ideal, so he’s done well to win.

“He’s still a big baby and he’s backward but he should improve into a nice jumping horse down the road.