Star springs shock in three-way photo

40/1 shot Helmet Star just clung on to land the spoils in a thrilling three-way photo finish to the second division of the apprentice handicap at Gowran Park.

Danny Sheehy was soon in front on the John Larkin-trained filly but she was strongly pressed going to the furlong marker.

There were four almost in a line inside the final furlong, with Barnhill Rose challenging along with What Adaay and Chicago Lightening coming to press.

Three flashed past the post locked together and it was Helmet Star who emerged a short-head in front of Chicago Lightening with another short-head back to Barnhill Rose in third.

The winner had been mid-division on her most recent start at Fairyhouse and was leaving previous form well behind.

Larkin said:- “She should have finished third or fourth in Fairyouse the last day but the saddle slipped.

“Our runner in the previous race (Black Bridie) was working better and finished last. They were working together so I was a nervous wreck as I couldn’t understand how the last horse ran so bad.

“She handles the ground and is a grand little filly.

“The last winner I had for Sean (Maguire, from Newry) was in a hunters chase twenty years ago.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)