Between Me And You caused a 33/1 shock when making virtually all to take the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Maiden Hurdle and provided trainer Tom Gibney and owner Heidi Lampert with a timely wedding present.
The couple got married just two days ago while, to add further icing to the victory, it was a first win for Kells rider John Tobin.
Tobin had the gelding in front after the first hurdle and proceeded to make all from that point, staying on well in the straight to beat Fairwood Massini (9/2) by seven lengths. Casco Bay (14/1) was another 14 lengths adrift in third, while the disappointing evens favourite Space Race could only manage fifth.
Space Race was found to be blowing hard on examination post-race, and jockey Robert Power said he was never travelling.
The well-backed Celtic Wish (7/2-11/4) was pulled up before two out, and reported to be lame.
A delighted Gibney said: “This is the best horse I've had by a country mile but nerves kept getting the better of him at the races. He's highly strung and his race is usually run after half a mile. I knew if he settled he'd win.”
Alan Magee
