Screamer for bookies in Punchestown opener

Bookmakers were treated to a 'screamer' of a result in the opening Anna Gannon 80th Birthday Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown today with unconsidered 25/1 chance Born In Fire surprising everyone, including his trainer Michael 'Mouse' Morris.

The race looked a match between 11/10 favourite Byerley Babe and 6/5 chance Upazo but Champion Jockey Davy Russell, on Born In Fire, took no notice of the script on the son of Limnos who eventually defeated Byerley Babe by a length. Upazo again disappointed and finished seventh.

The winner, runner-up in a point to point before finishing well back on two hurdle starts, was later reported by Morris to “have run deplorably in Naas” on his previous start.

Morris added “obviously there was something wrong then but we never found anything to explain it. He wasn't a bad point to pointer but I'm happily surprised but then again nothing surprises me in this game anymore!”

The winner paid 70/1 on the Tote and was returned 97/1 on Betfair.

Quotes from Alan Magee