Odds-on punters suffered a reverse in the opening Clonmel Hospice Support Group Maiden where 8/11 chance The Real Article was soundly beaten behind the surprise 16/1 winner Leblon
The five-year-old mare challenged between horses over a furlong out under Shane Gorey, and dug deep under pressure to just hold off the persistent effort of Greenbelt Star (9/4) by a head.
The 100/1 shot Lisselan Catcher ran a cracker a further two and a half lengths back in third.
The Real Article, a three-time bumper winner last year, dropped away tamely in the straight to finish a soundly beaten sixth. Johnny Murtagh later reported that his mount ran flat throughout.
Winning trainer John O'Shea said: “I've not been that happy with her since she finished second in the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel last September. She's possibly not suited by winter ground but she's back to herself now. She'll go for the Grade 3 mares hurdle at Punchestown that she was second in last year. She could go for a winners-of-two at Sligo after that.”
Kevin Manning was fined €200 euro and apologised to the stewards for arriving late at the meeting, which resulted in his mount Morning Ireland being withdrawn (no suitable jockey available).
