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Fort confirmed 33/1 winner after enquiry

Fleurys Fort (centre with red sash) and Vic Approach (left) battle it out after the lastFleurys Fort (centre with red sash) and Vic Approach (left) battle it out after the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Fleurys Fort recorded a 33/1 shock in the Leugh Handicap Hurdle although the result at Thurles was only confirmed after a tense stewards enquiry into possible interference.

The incident occurred approaching the final flight where Fleurys Fort had just struck the front under Damien Skehan when edging right across the 13/8 favourite Vic Approach

Despite this the favourite still got to the front at the final flight and looked set to score on the run-in.

However the Leslie Young-trained Fleurys Fort rallied strongly in the closing stages and got back up in the final strides to score by a head. Boherna Lady came home well in this 2m6f event a further length and a half back in third.

The stewards confirmed the placings but did find that Skehan had ridden improperly and suspended him for three days.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.