McGuinness off the cold list

There was another surprise at Naas when lightly-raced nine-year-old Blazing Beacon came home at 20/1 in the two mile three furlong hurdle to the relief of trainer Frank McGuinness.

“I thought I would never have another winner again!” he said.

“It’s been over a year and a half since that horse won [October 2009]. I’ve spent 50,000 euro on getting my horses right. They have had back problems and everything.

“He has only been back working around five weeks. He might have one more run over hurdles before going chasing.

“He wanted that ground as he is by Luso.”

The winner was prominent throughout and jumped back into the lead three out where he was joined by 4/9 market leader Royal Reveille However, the favourite was quickly off the bridle as Eddie O’Connell made his way home on Blazing Beacon.

The pair were seven lengths clear of the disappointing favourite at the end. Derinlaur at 11/2 was a further eight lengths back in third.

Michael Graham