Real Steel and Brian O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
Philip Fenton has, euphemistically, had a trying week and the trainer registered his first winner since being charged over alleged possession of banned animal substances on Thursday when his Real Steel caused a minor 7/1 upset to win the Grade 2 Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle at Naas today.
Ridden by Brian O'Connell, the son of Old Vic made all and responded well under pressure for a three and a quarter lengths win over Vicky De L'Oasis
The winner was a timely boost for Fenton and winning owners Gigginstown House Stud (Michael O'Leary), whose backing for the trainer comes ahead of the team's Gold Cup bid with Last Instalment.
Following Real Steel's win, Fenton said “he was the lowest rated horse in the race and I didn't think he was capable of winning but he's improving and jumped better today.
“He's a huge horse and he'll go chasing next season.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
