Article swoops late for shock win

Cool Article owned and trained near Fermoy by Jeanette Riordan, overcame a lay-off of nearly two years to record a 16/1 shock in the Finola Guinnane, Miss Northern Ireland Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The complexion of this two miles and five furlongs race changed a number of times in the concluding stages. The Grey Express looked set to score when cruising to the front after two out but no sooner had the evens favourite hit the front than well-backed 3/1 chance King'sandqueen's swept past to take it up.

The latter was then tackled by Cool Article, who appeared to have plenty to do before the second last, and Sean McDermott's mount stayed on best up the final hill to beat King'sandqueen's by a length and a quarter. Another Annie (10/1) kept on a further six lengths away to snatch third from the weakening favourite.

Mrs Riordan said: “She's been off with a touch of a leg but has been working well at home. I've got four horses in for the summer.”

Mrs Riordan, who left her base at nine o'clock this morning accompanied by her daughters Hazel and Jessica, is better known in point-to-point circles. This was her third winner under rules, and first at Downpatrick.

Alan Magee