Sizing Alberta (left) runs out, with A Toi Phil also carrying Paper Lantern out at the first bend© Photo Healy Racing
The amateur riders 2m4f maiden hurdle at Clonmel appeared a straight match beforehand but the unpredictable nature of horse racing was never better exemplified as For Freddie recorded a 33/1 shock.
The drama came soon after the start at the first bend where 5/2 second favourite Sizing Alberta ducked violently left and the 2/5 favourite A Toi Phil followed him, in the process carrying out Paper Lantern
Sizing Alberta and Paper Lantern (22/1) both got going again but lost upwards of 40 lengths, while Patrick Mullins was unseated from the hot-favourite.
The aforementioned pair both got into the race on the final circuit, and Paper Lantern even appeared a big threat early in the straight.
However the effort of getting back into the race from such a deficit proved too much in the latter stages, and it was For Freddie who stayed on best on the run-in for Eoin O'Brien.
The 33/1 shot had three and three quarter lengths to spare over Lets High Five It with Paper Lantern another length and a quarter away in third.
Sizing Alberta was eventually a moderate fifth.
Winning owner/trainer Edmond Kent said, "I wasn't expecting that but it turned into a funny sort of race.
"I was thinking he'd need the race today and while he is very well bred, has had lots of trouble. He is out of Generosa, and the only other one out of her was Liskennett (second in the 2008 Albert Bartlett Hurdle).
"He's obviously a good horse and might jump a fence before the winter is out."
(TW & AM)
