Madden & McConnell on the mark with Hope

Sheila's Hope sprang a 33/1 surprise in the Social Package Apprentice Handicap, scoring under Tom Madden for John McConnell and owner Peter Commane.

Unplaced on her first three starts, the daughter of Casamento again finished down the field on her handicap debut at Dundalk in October.

Fitted with a hood and encountering quick ground for the first time today, she raced in third.

She was ridden to challenge from two furlongs out, and hit the front at the furlong pole, keeping on well from there to score by a length. Happy Company (20/1) finished second under Daniel Redmond for Paddy Hassett, with Pari Passu (14/1) in third, and Aunty Audrey (7s to 5s) fourth. Look Closer was sent off the well-backed 11/4 favourite (from 7/2) and he finished a very disappointing eleventh under Gary Halpin for Ellmarie Holden.

McConnell said afterwards: "We liked her last year and I even backed her at 66/1 in her first maiden but it was a very good maiden and things just didn't go right for her after that.

"She had shown plenty of ability at home and if she put it in on the track she'd have a chance and obviously she had a low mark.

"She is tall and a lot of those Casamento's are backward and she is particularly tall and angular. We haven't planned beyond today."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes