Rothwell & Doyle off the mark for new season

Philip Rothwell's Neptunus Equester caused a 20/1 upset to win Limerick's Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Handicap Chase under bottom weight today, providing the trainer and winning jockey Ricky Doyle with first wins this season.

The son of Doyen was unplaced in two point-to-points and six previous racecourse outings but today improved on a recent 44 lengths defeat at Tramore when scoring by a length and a half from Meehall

Doyle, last year's Irish Grand National winning jockey, said “it was my first time riding him and on form I couldn't find a reason to say he'd win!

“I rode him to try and be placed but he jumped absolutely super and he is a massive horse. He is probably too big for the likes of Tramore, where he ran the last day, and would prefer a big galloping track and loads of jumping.”

“It's always nice to ride a winner for Philip.”