Seven up for Star Harbour after a thrilling finish

Star Harbour just got there in the Happy 60th Birthday To Ger Dunne Of Punchestown Race over an extended nine-furlongs to the relief of favourite backers.

First-time gelding Gesture (10/1) gave it a good, solid go off the front and was still bang there in the closing stages, but Star Harbour (4/5f) just wore him down to get up by a head under Adam Caffrey.

“He's lazy and it was totally an inadequate trip for him,” said Ado McGuinness.

“We had him in Chester at the weekend, but the ground went against him for that Listed race.

“We threw him into this race when it was small entries, it was a bit of an afterthought. The conditions suited, but we knew it was a bit short.

“Adam got after him early doors and he gave him a good ride. He just got there and it's great for the lads, he's been a great money-spinner for them.

“He wasn't a cheap horse when we bought him, but the fun they've got out of him has been unreal.

“That's his third win of the year and he had a very good run the last day at Dundalk carrying a lot of weight. He'll probably go back for the Diamond Stakes there in two weeks time.

“We might give him a break after that. We've threatened to run him over hurdles a couple of times - we pulled him out at Down Royal because of the ground, but at some stage he will make another appearance over hurdles. He'll want nice autumn or spring ground.”

This was Star Harbour's seventh career success.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson