Outsiders dominate as Star just prevails

Scenic Star sprang a 25/1 surprise in the Belfast Live Apprentice Handicap as he just prevailed under Gary Phillips for Gavin Cromwell and owner Eugene Bourke.

The five-year-old son of Erewhon showed little before today but wasn't beaten far when ninth on his handicap debut at the Curragh last month.

Having his second start in handicap company today he raced in second in the early stages before soon improving to lead.

He was ridden with under three furlongs to race and while he was strongly pressed and headed inside the final furlong he battled back gamely to regain the lead close home, winning by a head at the line. Ondamoura (25/1), who joined the winner in the closing stages, had to settle for second under Robbie Dolan for Tom Hogan while Sinntani (25/1) was a length and a quarter back in third under Dylan Hogan for William Fitzpatrick. Brokopondo was sent off the 3/1 favourite (from 4's) and he finished a disappointing sixth under Donagh O'Connor for Johnny Levins.

Gavin Cromwell said afterwards: "He ran well in the Curragh. He got loose and ran around for 10 minutes and was only beaten six lengths. He has improved with every run. He dug deep. He definitely wants good ground. He might go to Dundalk.

"He is owned by Eugene Bourke, a retired vet from Monasterboice near Drogheda."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R. Coakley, rider of Mountain Kingdom trained by J.Larkin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung left throughout this race.

The Stewards interviewed G.J. Phillips, rider of Scenic Star, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that G.J. Phillips was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham