Carlos ends drought for Stanners

Edward Stanners saddled his first winner in two years when Carlos Fandango took the two miles and five furlongs Tramore Centenary Maiden Hurdle.

Absent since a promising third over course and distance in April, the giant grey gelding was produced by Mark Walsh to lead approaching the final flight.

A fine leap here settled it for the 2/1 second favourite and he kept on well to beat market-leader Civena (13/8), who was putting in his best work on the run-in, by two and a half lengths. Combustible Kate (6/1) could find no extra after being headed before the last, and was a further length and a half away in third.

Stanners said, “We’ll see what the handicapper gives him now before deciding where to go next. He’s a massive horse and really needs fences.

“He was struggling a bit there at one point but, even though he’s a big horse, he still has a bit of speed.”

The Innishannon trainer also outlined that the successful Murphy’s Law Syndicate is made up of six Irish ex-pats now living in London.

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)