McCaldin's ex-pointer defies top weight

Triple point-to-point winner Faith Loving defied top weight to win Fairyhouse's Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase in a photo-finish today, scoring for trainer Caroline McCaldin, owner Alan McCaldin and jockey Dillon Maxwell.

Both Faith Loving and runner-up Greenway Machine battled for the lead in the home straight and while Greenway Machine had a narrow lead on the run-in, the winner finished well to edge his nose in front at the line.

Dromara, Co Down-based McCaldin said “he was very gutsy and he's a lovely horse. He lost his way a wee bit last year but hopefully he's back. We'll see what is coming up for him and look for something similar.

“He has a lot of experience; we were hoping he'd run well and Dillon gave him a brilliant ride. He doesn't usually handle that kind of ground so we're delighted.”

Faith Loving's previous wins came in point-to-points, where the eight-year-old had won at Moira, Farmaclaffley and Loughanmore.

Quotes from Gary Carson