Lyons provides shock winner in finale

There was plenty of solid form on offer in the concluding maiden over an extended nine furlongs at Gowran Park but bookmakers got a real “skinner” as Safe Home swooped late under Gary Carroll.

Trained by Ger Lyons for his wife Lynne, the unconsidered 25/1 chance (paid over 72/1 on the Tote) came with a storming late run to pip Ghaamer (5/2jtfav), who looked all over the winner inside the final furlong, by a neck. Hue And Cry (14/1) was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Lyons said, “I wouldn’t be rushing to run mine in soft ground but he’s by Danehill Dancer and has a big knee action. He was ready for a day out, and we thought he’d improve physically and mentally from it. To win is a complete bonus.

“He should improve loads and if he does he’s a nice horse. He’s got a good pedigree, and it’s good to see the horses are well.

"They are all ready, we just need to run them now. There is no point in waiting on fast ground, and we have to run them to see if they handle this or not. We are going to get more of this (ground) than not.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson