Wearing the Universal Bloodstock Syndicate silks carried to victory recently in the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas by Captain My Captain, Connor King surprised most, on 25/1 newcomer Unorthodox in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Dundalk.

The three-year-old, like Breeders' Cup Classic runner-up Toast Of New York, is by Thewayyouare, and he arrived down the inner to touch off the strong even money favourite Dalewari by a neck.

"He's very green and he'll only improve with time. It's nice to get one first time out," remarked King.

Meanwhile later by phone winning trainer John Murphy stated: "He's a fair horse but he's been a bit slow to come to hand.

"He'll make a lovely three-year-old and he could be a horse for the UAE Derby. He's got an all-weather pedigree. He could be anything."

P.J. Smullen, rider of An Riocht trained by P.J.Prendergast, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly throughout.

(MG & EM)