Sorrowful end to Killarney opener

There was a dramatic finish to the opening race on the final day of the Killarney May Festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, with the second favourite Sounds of Jupiter losing his action from last with the race at his mercy.

The son of Galileo had taken up the running before the sixth fence and was well clear approaching the last, however something went amiss as he virtually stopped, crossing the line in seventh, presenting the contest to the third reserve Big Dano trained by Tramore man Pat Flavin.

The 28/1 winner who was ridden by Tom Doyle had just four point-to-points runs to his name before today with his only win coming on his last start at Lisronagh in March. He stayed on well to beat Meritorious by two lengths at the finish.

Running in the colours of Oily Colman (who won three, including a point-to-point), the 6yo son of Loup Sauvage was given a chance by the trainer’s son John Falvin who said: "I thought he'd run well, but there were much higher rated horses in the race. I had a few quid on him at 40/1.

"This was his first time over that trip, but he won his 'point' on the bridle. He is the best jumper I've ever ridden."

"I used to ride as a conditional in England until I fractured my skull and gave up, now I’m training at home and could do with a few more horses!"

The 11/8fav Alpine Eagle never looked a winner, finishing two and a half lengths back in third.

It was subsequently discovered that the unfortunate Sounds of Jupiter collapsed and died after the race, suffering a heart attack. His rider Davy Russell reported to the stewards that he lost his action.

Donal Murphy