Silverpockets came out on top after a thrilling finish to the SHS Group Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

A maximum of 20 horses went to post, and this two-mile event proved a real triumph for the handicapper with at least eight horses still in with a chance at the last.

Mikey Fogarty produced the nine-year-old mare between horses after the last, and the 12/1 chance stayed on well on the run-in to score by a neck. Deputy Consort took the runner-up spot, with Our Jerry half a length away in third.

The 7/2 favourite Black Waterfall came home strongest of all on the outer to be just another half a length back in fourth.

Winning trainer Bob Murphy said, "She's not a bad mare. The only time I was here before was 11 years ago with a mare that also won.

"She's fairly consistent and decent. I'll keep her going and probably run her once or twice more and let her off for the winter. My brother Michael bred her.

"There was at least 10 of them in with a chance two out. I told him to have her handy the whole time because I knew she was in good form. I was confident coming up. He's a good rider Mikey."

Fogarty said, “She’s been consistent over the summer. Bob made the trip up from Waterford and said he thought he had her right for today. He only has a few in training and I’m delighted for him.”

(MG & AM)