Future All Star for Colm Murphy & John Cullen took the feature race of the year at Kilbeggan Racecourse, the Gigginstown House Midlands National Handicap Chase, getting the better of Flemross in an exciting finish to the two mile, six furlong contest.
Flemross the rank outsider of the field at 40/1 for Co Antrim trainer Roy Wilson attempted to make all under Andrew Thornton but his heroic bid was foiled by the staying on Future All Star at 8/1.
The winning son of Fourstars Allstar had his first success over fences on his penultimate start at Clonmel and since finished second to Keogh's Bar on his last start, which was over the course in June.
The 8yo gelding raced in mid-division and was always travelling well. He improved to chase the leaders after seven out and was a close third approaching the second last.
He was almost on terms with the long time leader Flemross at the last but was soon on top shortly after that fence and stayed on well to score by two and a half lengths at the finish. Campbonnais the 11/4 favourite, for the race sponsor Michael O'Leary was a further seven lengths back in third. With jockey Davy Russell, wearing a black armband as a mark of respect to the late Ted O'Leary, father of Michael, who passed away yesterday.
Winning trainer Colm Murphy said afterwards: "That was great. He was probably unlucky on his last start to come up against a better handicapped horse (Keogh's Bar).
"The better gallop today and the extra two furlongs suited him. He probably got there a bit too soon the last day and idled a bit.
"We will see what the handicapper does to him now but he will probably go for something similar. He has plenty of options as he is still a novice.
"He has had his problems in the past and has been called a few names along the way!
"That was John's (John Cullen) first winner for the yard."
Donal Murphy
