Graineyhill

 

On paper, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, run over 2 miles 1½ furlongs at Fairyhouse on February 23, 2019, appeared to be a match between Dakota Moirette, trained by Gordon Elliott, and Aint Dunne Yet, trained by Noel Meade. Indeed, in the seven-runner contest, the bookmakers bet 1/2 Dakota Moirette, 7/2 Aint Dunne Yet and 12/1 bar the pair at the 'off'.

The market looked like proving an accurate guide to the outcome as, between the final two fences, Dakota Moirette and Aint Dunne Yet, who had led or disputed the lead from the start, drew a long way clear of their rivals. At that stage, commentator Tony O'Hehir said, 'They have it between them', and so they did. They approached the final fence neck-and-neck, but Dakota Moirette put down when asked to pick up by jockey Jack Kennedy and fell, directly in front of Aint Dunne Yet, whose jockey was unseated a few strides later.

Thankfully, both horses and both jockeys survived unscathed, but the untimely demise of the market leaders left the way clear for Graineyhill, a stable companion of Dakota Moirette, to saunter home by 8 lengths. Sent off at 12/1, the 8-year-old gelding had been ridden along in a moderate third place, 20 lengths or more behind the clear leaders, by Keith Donoghue after the second last fence and was making no impression when the race effectively fell into his lap. Officially described as 'lucky' by the 'Racing Post', his unlikely win was especially fortuitous for the fleet-fingered Betfair layers who matched him at 999/1, to the tune of £80, in-running.