Three times a winner at Ballinrobe but without success for three years, All About Timing (coming off a 272 day break) sprung a 20/1 surprise (48.30 the dividend on the Tote) in the first split of the Ratoath Handicap at Fairyhouse.

Living up to his name, the Val Royal eight-year-old came through at precisely the right juncture, under 5Ib claimer, Derek McCormack (put up 3Ibs over-weight), to eventually defeat To Choose by half a length.

"He's been working brilliantly but he's a bit of an old codger at this stage although unlike a lot of older horses he goes on the ground," explained winning handler Jim Gorman.

"It's great to see him winning somewhere other than Ballinrobe. I'm delighted for Johnny Andrews (part-owner) who has been with me since the start and it's also great for Derek.

"He just needs people to believe in him and get a bit of confidence." (AM & EM)