Down Royal finishes with Staton shock Staton sprang a massive 100/1 shock in the finale at Down Royal when sprinting clear late on for an impressive victory for local trainer Paul Traynor in the SIS sponsored bumper. The Diamond Boy gelding had been placed in a point-to-point, in the spring, but was well-beaten in two outings over hurdles in recent months. He hit the front turning for home, under Anna McGuinness, and quickened away from his rivals over a furlong from home to record a 12 length success over Some See Stars. McGuinness said: "Brilliant! It is my local meeting; I'm half an hour down the road from here. To ride a winner at the Down Royal festival is brilliant. "He has (bolted up). I went through his point-to-point runs and he was third in Tyrella. Just lacked a bit of experience over hurdles, but Paul felt he had him spot on today. He had improved slightly and he has showed it there today, he has put it all together. "His life was simpler there today, he knew his job and he bowled away. "Handled the ground brilliantly and skipped along - just stayed galloping to the line, plenty of horse left. "All credit to Paul and Karen (McNeilly), they do all the work with these horses. "It is brilliant to get the opportunity." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
