Tohugo relishes step up in trip

Tohugo served up a 16/1 upset in the sixth race at Fairyhouse – the mile and two handicap.

On his last appearance, the four-year-old gelding had come in 14th of 15 in a seven furlong handicap but those bare facts didn’t tell the whole story as trainer Michael Mulvany said: “He’s been disappointing for a long time. Tadhg (O’Shea) said he got no run last time and to put him up in trip.

“I’m hopeful he will be right now for Galway. My horses are coming back to form.”

In today’s race he was fully 15th of the 18 runners as they turned into the home straight. He was still eighth a furlong out but flew home to win by half a length.

This gave the owner Thomas Cooke, from Dunshaughlin, his first winner on the track.

The placings were filled by King Of Oriel (11/1 from 25/1 in the morning), Gabh Mo Leithsceal (6/1) and 10/3 favourite Windsor Pride respectively.

Willie McCreery’s Windsor Pride, ridden by Joseph O’Brien, attracted plenty of money on course from 9/2 to 10/3.

The winner paid just over 28/1 on the Tote.