Valley Of Stars and Andrew McNamara © Photo Healy Racing
Valley Of Stars delivered a 25/1 shock in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle for trainer Anthony Mulholland who also supplied the runner-up Forjoethepainter also at 25s.
Valley Of Stars was ridden to challenge at the second last by Andrew McNamara and kept on well to score by two lengths. He was winning for the first time on his 22nd racecourse outing.
Forjoethepainter was a short head in front of third-placed Res Ipsa Loquitur (14/1). Mossy Island rewarded his backers with fourth place at 20/1.
Trainer Anthony Mulholland said: “He needs to run fresh. He wants good to firm ground and we were waiting on it. He was going well at home. We’ll keep him on the go, but he likes three weeks between his races.
“I’ve 15 horses in training in Cootehill, Co Cavan. Valley Of Stars’ owner Fred Wright owns the yard I’m in. He’s originally from Portadown and has six in training with me. He’s been very patient with this horse. He was only beaten three odd lengths on the flat by Our Conor and was gaining on him.”
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined 11/8 favourite Hero De Villeneuve trained by Robert Alan Hennessy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal. B.J. Geraghty, rider of Hero De Villeneuve reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran flat.
The winner paid £113.20 on the Tote.
