Minion springs another shock

The second of three chases at Killarney tonight produced another 20/1 shock winner as Valours Minion stayed on best to land the spoils in the MC Group Handicap Chase.

11/4 favourite As De Pique looked set to collect in the 2m6f contest as he hit the front two from home.

A slow jump at the last let in Valours Minion, however, who stayed on well in the closing stages, under Mark Enright, to score by two-and-a-half lengths.

It completed an across-the-card double for trainer Val O'Brien, who had also struck with Abarta at Downpatrick this afternoon.

The winner had made little impression at Wexford last time but was successful on his previous outing at Ballinrobe.

"He's after getting a nick on his hind leg but I think it's only superficial and if he's ok he'll go to for the Galway Blazers chase next," said O'Brien afterwards.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)