Shane Crimin rider of Pint Of Porter© Photo Healy Racing
Pint Of Porter sprang a 33/1 shocker in the last at Navan, the Boylesports.com Fon-A-Bet To 1800 44 00 00 Handicap Hurdle, as he just held on to score under Shane Crimin for Philip Rothwell.
The five-year-old son of Portrait Gallery had just four runs to his name before today, showing very little in three maiden hurdles attempts, while he was also well-beaten on his handicap debut at Thurles recently.
The victorious grey gelding made virtually all, and after shrugging off the challenge of Hello Louie at the last, he was tackled on both sides by Oscar Fiain and Vaxalco close home, but the line came just in time, as he beat the former by a neck.
Oscar Fiain was sent off the 3/1 joint-favourite under Barry Geraghty for Johnny Levins, while Vaxalco was another half a length back in third under Davy Russell for Jim Culloty at 14/1.
Hello Louie finished a further three lengths back in fourth under Mark Bolger for Noel Dooly at 10/1, while the other joint-favourite, Allez Vic for Eddie O’Connell and James Barcoe (was 15/2 this morning and opened at 9/2 on-course), took a crashing fall at the fifth last.
Philip Rothwell said afterwards: "We rode him differently today. We bounced him out in front. He is a big baby and he’ll be a good horse over fences."
The winner paid a massive €186.30 for a euro win on the Tote.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
