Umpact makes a big impact at Gowran

The 'bet-history' page on a leading odds-comparison site tells quite a story for Umpact as he shortened-up from an opening quote of 3/1 this morning into a returned 5/4 for the Race The Stops A County - January 24th Thyestes 2013 Maiden Hurdle at Gowran. To the delight of all involved, the French-import made an impressive Irish-bow under Davy Russell, scoring by five and a half lengths.

Fellow former French-performer, Willie Mullins' Upazo shared favouritism with Umpact.

However there was no contest once Russell said 'go' on Umpact from two out and the Gigginstown House Stud-owned, Tony Martin-trained victor soon drew away to win in the style of a very exciting prospect.

Two for the notebook were Sullane Chief and Top Ofthe Ra as they filled the third and fourth positions.

Tony Martin commented: "He's a nice horse and he'd shown us that at home. He's a good prospect.

"He won a schooling race in Thurles but how good, or what he is we don't know yet.

"This is nothing to get carried away about and I'm not making any big plans. We'll see in a fortnight where to go next but I doubt he'll run at Christmas time."

Stan James go 25/1 Umpact for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. (TW & EM)