Paddy shoots clear in the bumper

Shotgun Paddy stepped up considerably on two previous efforts when readily taking the bumper under Ambrose McCurtin.

The John Joe Walsh-trained gelding and well-backed 9/4 favourite (from 3’s) Jupitor had the race between them in the straight, with the former drawing clear in the final furlong to score by nine lengths.

The 12-runner field were well stretched by the finish, with Wells China (14/1) another 23 lengths adrift in third.

The 14/1 winner completed a good day for bookmakers as all seven favourites bit the dust, and a number of double-figure priced winners came up trumps.

Walsh said, “He had a good run at Gowran but then disappointed when a lot of mine weren’t right. I thought he’d run well today, and he’ll go now for a maiden hurdle.”