Craftsman has Shining Emerald (mostly hidden) and Michaelmas beaten at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Mick Hussey gained a big success when making all on Ballydoyle's supposed second string, Craftsman in the Group 3 JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown.
There didn't appear to be any fluke about it either as the 7/1 chance had his stable companion Michaelmas and odds-on favourite Shining Emerald on the stretch to bridge the gap in the final quarter mile.
That never really looked likely and in the end the Listowel maiden victor and Birdcatcher third crossed the line a length and a short-head to the good.
Hussey explained: "He got his own way. The boss told me to go to the front and make every post a winning one.
"He quickened up well and he kept going.
"I thought he might get tired in the final furlong but he kept at it well. He handled the ground well too.
"That's brilliant – that's my first Group winner. It's my first winner since I joined the yard as well. I've been there since January.
"I rode a winner for them last year (Rain God at Dundalk on Friday October 19th) and I was asked after if I'd like to come down to work there." (GC & EM)
