Groovy springs 16/1 surprise for Harrison

For the third race in-a-row, the formbook was turned on its head, as Hang On Groovy sprang a 16/1 surprise in division one of the Harvest Festival 15th to 21st September Handicap Hurdle.

The Cathy Harrison trained seven-year-old daughter of Celtic Swing had some good form earlier in her career, winning a bumper at Cork in August of 2011, but she had shown little in the last while.

Prominent throughout, she led before the straight and she kept on well from there to record an easy ten length success under David Splaine. Evesham Star finished back in second at 14/1 under Rob Jones for Charles Byrnes while He Is Top Class was two and a quarter lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch at 16/1. Black Cache completed the placings back in fourth at 6/1 while the 7/2 favourite, Back To Drumdeel could only manage fifth under Alan Crowe for Robert Tyner.

Cathy Harrison said afterwards: "She has her ground and she got a good positive ride from David which she needed as she is the lazy type.

"She was a bit below form and needed to get her act together, which she did. She is a great jumper and she will go chasing at some stage.

"It is unfortunate for Martin Burke (rode her the last day but suffered a suspected fractured collarbone at Tramore on Friday)."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes