Following the victory of hot-favourite Bonnie Acclamation in the opener, punters were brought back down to earth with a thump as complete outsider On The Loose recorded a 33/1 shock in the L M Carey & Company Handicap.
The Bonnie Acclamation team of Danny Grant and Pat Flynn looked set for further joy here as Marcus Attilius (5/1) made most and kept on well under pressure early in the straight in the nine furlong event.
However he could find no more in the final 100 yards as Ben Curtis got On The Loose up for a three quarter length verdict over Badger Or Bust (5/1), who denied the pace-setter second place.
The seven-year-old grey winner was 5lb out of the handicap proper, and paid a massive €64.50 for a win on the Tote.
Winning trainer Tom McCourt said, “I wasn't that surprised as he won over nine furlongs on soft ground at Ayr a few years ago, and he had a wind operation over the winter.
"He needs 1m1f or a mile and a quarter and, while he's handicapped over hurdles, I'd rather go for another Flat handicap. He was mad fit but I thought he wouldn't get in today as he was originally 19 on the ballot list.”
Alan Magee
