Paris Texas with Padraig Roche and Aidan Kelly© Photo Healy Racing
Paris Texas served up a 25/1 surprise in the Laffy handicap Steeplechase over an extended two miles seven at Downpatrick.
The eight-year-old gelding began to make his move at the fourth last and had a share of the lead two out.
He hit the front on the run-in and kept finding to see off 5/2 favourite Ask Cory by two and a quarter lengths. The favourite got up for second in the final strides from Twilight Girl (9/1).
Trainer Padraig Roche said: "He's not the most predictable of horses, so he was on a going day today and it was great.
"Aidan (Kelly) is with me full time, big thanks to Frank (Berry) and JP (McManus) for giving him the opportunity. He gave him a great ride.
"He had winning form here a long time ago, we may come back if that is the case! It is great he got his head in front."
Paris Texas' sole other victory came in a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in August 2018.
The Stewards requested a report from Padraig Roche, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Paris Texas (FR), placed first, as compared with its recent run at Wexford on the 16th May where he pulled up on soft ground. Padraig Roche reported that he was at a loss to explain the recent run at Wexford but noted that his charge won here at Downpatrick on his only previous run at this venue. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
