Benny Walsh and Gun Shy© Photo Healy Racing
Gun Shy swooped late on the stand's rail to spring a shock in the concluding bumper at Downpatrick this evening.
The race looked set to develop into a duel between market leaders Gaius Marius (7/2) and Bedrock Lady (4/5f).
The former had led with six furlongs to run and was tackled down the hill by the Willie Mullins-trained favourite.
Noel Meade 's charge looked to be holding off the hotpot only for the pair to be trumped in the dying strides by the 20/1 shot.
The Brian Jordan-trained Gun Shy had looked under pressure in fourth two furlongs out but came wide in the straight and sprouted wings in the closing stages to get up for a head victory under Benny Walsh.
“He stayed on well and he loved the ground,” said Jordan.
“He had a few unlucky runs in point-to-points but has a great pedigree. He's a summer horse and is a super jumper.
“He gallops on his own at home and only does what he has to but he has a great engine. His owner William Bates is a cousin of mine. He couldn't make it up as he was very busy.”
It was a first winner 'on the track' for over a year for winning rider Walsh.
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
