John Shinnick on board Handsome Maverick© Photo Healy Racing
Handsome Maverick landed a gamble in Navan and gave jockey John Shinnick his first victory.
From 33/1 in the morning, the grey gelding was backed down to 12/1 on the off.
He was fully 17th on the outer a quarter of a mile out in this extended five furlong contest but rattled into the lead approaching the final furlong.
The six-year-old stayed on to score by a neck from Little Clarinet (3/1 favourite). Teddy Boy was half a length further back in third at 18/1. Verhoyen completed the placings in fourth at 10/1.
Trainer Donal Kinsella said: "Ruaidhri Tierney (agent) said that this lad (John Shinnick) is very good and that Ger Lyons considers him to be decent. I said 'on your word and on Ger Lyons word I will try him'. It was well worthwhile.
"He did everything I asked of him which was to get him clear over on the stands' side at all costs because he just won't travel with horses around him.
"Of course he drifted over closer to the rails in the last 100 yards. He was there where it counted.
"33/1 down to 12s - somebody must have backed him, whoever they were!
"Please God you'll see him tomorrow week in the Curragh - I think they have a 45-70 over six (furlongs) which will suit him again.
"I took the blinkers off him today and decided we will see what we have and he did everything we asked of him.
"I'd be very confident he might go in again because I think he has a bit more ability.
"He's a half-brother to Ducky Mallon who has won seven (races). The family is decent."
Shinnick is 17 from Fermoy, Co Cork. He is based with Ger Lyons and is a graduate of RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education).
The Stewards requested a report from Donal Kinsella, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Handsome Maverick, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Donal Kinsella stated that a shorter distance today in addition to a change of tactics from his previous run, whereby he ran wide on the outside on this occasion, aided his charge and brought about the improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
