Amadeus springs a surpise in the Birdcatcher

The maiden Beau Amadeus sprang a 14/1 surprise in the feature race on the card at Naas this afternoon the Derrinstown Stud EBF Birdcatcher Premier Nursery valued at €65,000.

Trained by Adrian McGuinness and ridden by Wayne Lordan the son of Amadeus Wolf was having his eleventh career start today and despite having failed to score he had run consistently throughout the season.

On his penultimate start at Fairyhouse he finished just under three lengths sixth behind Seanie in the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.

Back in maiden company last time out at Roscommon he disappointed and could only manage fifth behind Foot Solider late last month.

Held up towards rear in the early stages today, he made headway under two furlongs out. He was the first horse to come off the bridle when ridden into third a furlong from home.

However he stayed on under pressure to lead inside the last 150 yards, keeping on well to score by two lengths at the line.

Another maiden Srucahan finished second at 12/1 for Paul Deegan and Leigh Roche while Indigo River was a further length and a half back in third at 13/2 for Paul Flynn and Chris Hayes.

The 9/2 favourite Janey Muddles proved very disappointing and could only manage ninth while the second favourite at 5/1 Choir finished last of the twelve runners.

Winning trainer Adrian McGuinness said afterwards: "He's an unlucky horse. He should have won his maiden at Sligo twice.

"He was the first one off the bridle today but he stuck at it well. He had a nice light racing weight and that helped him up the home straight.

"He is for sale now and although he is not in any of the sales hopefully we will be able to sell him on. If not we will race on with him next season.

"He is a tough horse and we are delighted. We quietly fancied him today. That was the first time Wayne (Lordan) sat on him.

"The syndicate (Total Recall Racing Club) is made up of sixteen members. They also own Beau Michael (who runs today in the 4:50) and I think he has a good each-way chance."