Shanches and Johnny Hurley© Photo Healy Racing
The Tony Mullins trained newcomer Sanches caused a 40/1 upset when landing the concluding Lyons Of Limerick (Mares) INH Bumper at Limerick today, notching a first racecourse winner for jockey Johnny Hurley.
The daughter of Shantou was also returned an unconsidered 140 (139/1) chance on Betfair but belied those odds when staying on gamely in the straight and getting the better, by a nose, of Designer Destiny
Afterwards Mullins expressed his surprise, saying “that is a surprise although she had be working well and is a full sister to Shantou Bay who was fourth in a bumper at Naas earlier this month.
“I knew she'd stay going but I didn't think she'd do that. We didn't believe she was up to that yet but we may have to rethink now and could go for a winners' bumper.
“It is a lovely surprise!”
Jockey Hurley, 24, is from Conna, Co Cork, has 25 point to point winners ridden and rides out for trainers Jimmy Mangan and Seamus Spillane.
