Speedy Court Phoenix just holds off odds-on fav in opener

Court Phoenix upset the odds in the opening William Hill Committed To Top Prices Maiden at Dundalk when just getting the better of hot favourite Beatrix Power

The Jimmy Coogan-trained gelding, who went close on both previous starts this year including when third at the Curragh, again showed good pace throughout in this five-furlong event.

Billy Lee oozed confidence on 4/5 shot Beatrix Power early in the straight but had to get serious inside the final furlong as Court Phoenix showed no sign of stopping in front.

Leigh Roche ’s mount kept on gamely to just hold on by a nose at odds of 11/1 with Crystal Luna nearly four lengths back in third.

Coogan said, "I thought the surface would suit him better than Navan, the ground was slow in Navan.

"It was a solid run and he was only just caught in the last 50 yards up the hill in Navan.

"I thought around here on the ground and an easier five, he might get the money.

"He stuck at it and knuckled down well. We'll keep him at it up here."

Quotes by Michael Graham