Tinder springs shock in opener

33/1 shot Tinder flew home inside the final furlong to cause a shock in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Navan this afternoon. Hunaina looked to have done enough in the extended five furlong contest when hitting the front a furlong-and-a-half home and soon asserting by a couple of lengths.

Colm O'Donoghue got a great tune from the Jessica Harrington-trained Tinder in the closing stages, however, and she pounced late, getting up on the line for a short-head victory.

The winner had finished last of ten on her most recent outing at the Curragh a few weeks ago.

Harrington said:- "I seem to be the only one that is not surprised!

“She had a disaster first time out when her saddle slipped but she ran well at the Curragh on her second last start.

"Last time the ground was good to firm and she didn't let herself down on it. Also it was a bit short and she came home well today. I was getting a bit worried when it was changed to good before racing.

"She would have been an unlucky loser as she got stopped around halfway."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)