Face Value (nearest) beats Kabjoy© Photo Healy Racing
Face Value lunged late to spring a 20/1 shock in the Behans Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant Handicap at Listowel. Modem struck for home entering the straight in the 1m6f contest but was claimed by stable-mate Kabjoy inside the final furlong.
That filly was soon tackled by Face Value, however, and he stuck his head out in the dying strides to get up under Ross Coakley for a neck success.
The Adrian McGuinness-trained winner was making his first start since running over hurdles at Leopardstown last Christmas.
“He hadn't run in nine months and I honestly thought the ground was going to be a shade quick,” admitted McGuinness.
“We were hoping to get him back for the November Handicap – that was the race we were sort of aiming at.
“He's been working well at home. I thought I had left him a little bit short but he ran a blinder there.
“He had a nice light weight on his back which was a big help. I'm a little shocked as I did think he needed the run, so I'm delighted. He'll go hurdling when he finishes on the Flat.”
Coakley added: “It worked out well. I actually went to plan B as the plan was to make it but he bounced a little slow.
“I had to sit in and bide my time. Thankfully when I switched out in the straight he was very tough, stuck his head down and fought the whole way to the line. He was very brave.” Giant's Quest the 9/4 favourite, made the running but kept on one paced, after being headed three furlongs out, to finish fourth. Gypsy King who was hampered on the rail after five furlongs, weakened quickly over three furlongs out and was soon eased.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
