Lapin wins at 150/1 on racecourse bow Jeannot Lapin sprang a massive shock in the Paddy Power Beginners Chase at Leopardstown when winning on his racecourse bow at 150/1. The Gearoid O'Loughlin-trained gelding was a bargain buy, for just 3,000stg, at Doncaster sales in May having pulled up on the last of his three point-to-point runs. He was produced by Ricky Doyle to lead over the last in today's two-mile-one contest and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length win over What's Up Darling. The winner had been third on his first two point-to-point runs before disappointing on his most recent outing. “I expected him to run really well as his homework had been very good. I thought he was a proper horse,” said O'Loughlin. “I bought him in Doncaster off Sam Curling for three grand, Dominic was looking for a horse. “I couldn't find what was wrong with him and obviously there is nothing wrong with him. He was maybe a bit sick when he ran in his point-to-points or something. “He's from the family of Epatante and is by Doctor Dino so I wouldn't say he stays three miles. “He did a piece of work around Tipperary two weeks ago and showed me enough to say he'd be competitive in one of these. He was entitled to be here. “He's massive and he was a shell in May. To be fair to his owner Dominic he brought him home and fed him all through the summer. “I'm delighted for Dominic and Paula, Dom is a great character and I'm so happy for him. I'm hoarse from roaring. “There is no plan, the plan was today as he wanted a runner here. “He sent me off to buy a horse and I got one for three grand to run in Leopardstown at Christmas. “I've never had a horse as big as him, maybe a hunter!” 11/8 favourite It's For Me pulled up before the third fence.
