Huge returns for punters as 999-1 in-running winner follows 100-1 shot

Punters favouring big odds struck lucky with a pair of shock winners this afternoon.

Cool And Clever hit 999-1 in-running in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at Roscommon, the 1.30pm race on the card.

Bookies made the son of Vocalised the 10-11 favourite from an encouraging racecourse debut 38 days ago.

After a quick start, he was pushed along over two furlongs out and was headed by Sunset Shiraz, who seemed certain to score.

The Betfair exchange took £40 at odds of 999-1 on Cool And Clever, as he unexpectedly rallied with gusto under Kevin Manning in the last 50 yards.

He overtook 9-1 shot Sunset Shiraz by half-a-length, with New Star (22-1) six lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Jim Bolger and Manning, his son-in-law, took the first Classic of the season earlier this month, with 2000 Guineas hero Poetic Flare.

Taking the reins in the post-race interview, Bolger's daughter Una Manning said: “He battled back well and was very courageous. His previous experience helped.

“We’ll probably step him up from seven to a mile and maybe look for a Listed race.

“I’m particularly delighted as he’s owned by my uncle Paddy and aunt Marguerite. Paddy hasn’t been so well lately and I’m sure he’ll be looking in on the telly.”

Cool And Clever's dramatic late dash followed the exploits of rank outsider Roma Bangkok at Sedgefield.

Maurice Barnes' runner had little form of note before the Download The Free At The Races App Novices' Hurdle (1.00pm), so was unfancied at 100-1.

However, the five-year-old travelled easily and had just enough left in the tank to deny Gordon's Jet (7-4) by a nose, with evens money favourite Geronimo only third.

Barnes' wife Anne told the Racing Post : "It’s really given us a boost today because you need one now and then.

"It’s been a long winter and really hard work. This has really lifted our spirits."

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