For A Finish defies top weight

Trainer Eoin Doyle has a strike rate in recent days which a Champion Trainer would be proud of and recorded his fourth win from his last eight runners, when For A Finish made virtually all to win the New Self Service Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse today

Ridden by Brian Cawley, For A Finish took over the lead from the first flight, went clear from the third and never saw another rival before tiring slightly on the run-in for a four and a half lengths win over Knockmehill Lady

Doyle, who was recording his 12th winner of the season, was not present for the win but Cawley did later say “that's my 12th winner and I ride out for everyone and anyone but mainly Charlie Swan and Mikey O'Connor.

“It wasn't really the plan to make the running. Plan A was to get a lead and Plan B was to make our own running! He was probably well 'in' off his chase mark today.”

Further reporting by Alan Magee