Compton Court springs 33/1 surprise The first of three National Hunt races at Listowel today, the St John's Literary Centre Handicap Hurdle, went the way of 33/1 shot Compton Court for John Joe Walsh and Martin Ferris. Having just his second start for his new yard (just as the previous winner, The Last Don), the winner came from off the pace, making his move before 3 out and hitting the front before the last, racing away to a four and a half length win at the line from Missgiloney in second. Previously trained by John Carr the son of Compton Place had three wins to his name before today, winning a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan back in '07 before winning a hurdle at Roscommon in the same year. His last win came way back in October of '08 when he won on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. This was the 9yo gelding's second start of the year (ran at Cork in April) having being out of action since October of 2009 before that. Gerald Gormley owns the gelding and he also has recent Tipperary bumper winner Sligo Publican with John Joe Walsh. Winning trainer John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "He has had all kinds of problems, every kind you could think of. That was his second start for me. He showed a little on his first run for me but he has obviously improved since. "He will probably go for another handicap hurdle next." The 11/2fav Menwaal could only manage fifth for Philip Rothwell and Barry Geraghty.
