McGuinness shines as he gets first winner

Oakfield Rose sprang a 25/1 shock in the concluding bumper as she lunged late to open her account at the sixth attempt.

The Iffraaj filly had shown only glimpses of ability on her previous five starts for Ado McGuinness but stepped up considerably today.

Luke McGuinness, the trainer's nephew, chased the leaders on his mount but she was under pressure in third as they passed the two pole.

Front-runner Canadian Steel looked the most likely winner as he kept on well at the head of affairs but as so often the hill made a difference and Oakfield Rose collared him close home for a three-parts-of-a-length success.

It was a first success for the winning rider, from Rush, who intends to turn conditional in the near future and he said:-

"She was a little keen early and I was eager to get her out but I thought it was best to hold on to her as long as possible.

"I had a feeling she would be in the mix today."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)