Macauley off the mark in dramatic finale

Archie Macauley (22) rode his first winner when 20/1 shot (from 33s) Play The Part grabbed an unlikely victory in the concluding Garryrichard Stud (C & G) (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Wexford.

Second placer Gleesons Tipp the odds-on favourite, not surprisingly matched at odds of 1.01 in running on the betting exchanges, as victory seemed sure to be his as Nina Carberry went for home in the final furlong.

On his second start the Scorpion gelding didn't appear to be doing much in front, and under hands and heels he was edged out of it on the line by a head.

There was some comment on-line about Carberry's efforts in the plate, but they didn't warrant a steward's enquiry.

For his part Macauley explained: "That's my first winner (matched in the run at 1,000/1) and I work between Peter Maher, obviously Mark, and Eddie Harty. I'm from Blessington, County Wicklow and that's my fourth ride on the track in Ireland. I also had a ride in America."

Roper meanwhile stated: "We've always thought quite a lot of him but he disappointed us last time where the ground was tacky.

"He was brought down in Punchestown so we hadn't much to go on on racecourse performances. I've always been friendly with Rupert Macauley, so I gave his son the ride. It was a little bit of a surprise, but it's a nice surprise. He'll go hurdling now."

(DM & EM)