Millie springs shock in mares bumper

Millie Le Bach sprang a 33/1 shock when claiming the mares point-to-point bumper at Tipperary.

Well-supported favourite Blarney Kestrel (7/2 into 5/2) set out to make all but was headed early in the straight by Carrig'n May

That rival couldn't hold the charge of Millie Le Bach, however, who took it up going to the furlong pole and stayed on well, under Declan Lavery, to record a length-and-three-quarters success.

It was a first winner 'under rules' for Tom Cummins, who trains in Clashmore, County Waterford and there were wild celebrations in the enclosure afterwards:-

"I have six in training and I got the licence in March," revealed the winning handler.

"This mare got an infection after she won her point-to-point and I thought she wouldn't come back.

"She was three weeks standing in but she ran away with a schooling bumper recently with not much done.

"I don't know what we'll do now but we'll celebrate tonight anyway.

"She is the only foal out of the dam in 14 years. I've one in the last tonight as well (Fairy Court) and he had a right chance. That's a tip for you now!"

Gary Carson & Thomas Weekes