O'Neill's team up for Sydney surprise

The father and son team of Ronnie and Johnny O’Neill teamed up to supply a 20/1 shock in the 2m4f handicap hurdle as Sydney Thompson swooped late.

The Stowaway gelding appeared an unlikely winner in fourth approaching the final flight but he really got going on the run-in to pip Sunsetstorise by half a length.

The morning price gamble on Charles Magnes (from 20/1, SP 13/2 favourite) was unlucky not to collect as the lightly raced eight-year-old blundered badly at the last but was still just a neck further back in third. Sacre Malta completed the placings in fourth.

Ronnie O’Neill said, “I was a bit surprised but he did run well the last day. I thought he’d have to improve more to win, although he has improved a lot over the last month.

“We tried to get Andrew McNamara but he decided to ride the second horse and Johnny gave him a super ride. He’ll be let off as he wants soft ground and he’ll go chasing next season.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes