Doesheeverstop, left, comes to win the opener in Down Royal© Photo Healy Racing
Doesheeverstop served up a 20/1 shock in the opening two mile six maiden hurdle in Down Royal.
The five-year-old gelding made headway to dispute the lead between the last two hurdles and moved to the head of affairs at the last. From there Andrew McNamara kept him up to his work to score by three parts of a length. Leish Oscar chased him home at 12/1. Apache Jack at 11/2 came in third, a further length and a quarter away. Sizing Coal the 5/2 favourite, was squeezed for room coming to the second last and lost his place. He finished fourth, beaten 12 lengths.
Handler Michael Hourigan said: “I’m not surprised with that. He ran a bit free in Listowel. Andrew said once he settled he was very good. He gave him a peach of a ride. Andrew has ridden lots of winners for me. I was able to tell him this was a fair horse. He’s a half brother to Crash and you don’t throw away horses like that!”
Jockey Andrew McNamara reported: “It’s yielding out there, it’s lovely ground.”
The winner paid £40.60 on the Tote and £9.90 for a place.
