Outsider of the field Cheval springs a surprise

The outsider of the field at 16/1, Cheval Rouge which means Red Horse when translated from French, took division two of the Castlerea Handicap for her trainer Harry Rogers with Danny Grant aboard.

The chestnut daughter of Tagula finish last of twelve at Naas in July behind Joe Eile on her only sole start this year.

However she did have two wins to her name before today. One of which came in a Nursery on soft ground at Gowran back in 2009 with the other on the opposite ground, good to firm at Naas last summer.

Waited with today, the 4yo was seventh approaching the straight before producing her challenge and moving into the lead over a furlong from home. She kept on well from there to hold off the effort of Lord Windark (12/1) by half a length at the line. Wrekin Rock for Jim Gorman and Chris Hayes finished a further three lengths back in third at 8/1 while the 3/1 favourite Gagnant could only manage a disappointing fifth.

Winning trainer Harry Rogers said afterwards: "I thought she would win. I wouldn't mind her last run. She loves soft ground.

"Danny (Grant) gave her plenty of cover and she will run next at Listowel if the ground is soft."

Donal Murphy