RACING: Hot favourite J'y Vole proved a bitter disappointment as rank outsider Battle
Axe took top honours in the Shamrock Handicap Chase at Gowran Park. J'y Vole, a Grade One winner little over a year ago, was sent off the 5-4 market leader for her first start since last June and was sent straight to the head of affairs by Paul Townend.
However, the writing was on the wall for her supporters early in the straight as she was quickly swallowed up.
Battle Axe (25-1) came out on top on the run-in, fending off Conna Castle by three-quarters of a length.
Winning trainer John Lennon said: “That was great and I always knew he was a good horse. I have about 16 horses in training and this is my biggest win to date.
“This lad is the flag-bearer. He is a brilliant jumper and I hope he will continue to improve. I will stick him in the Irish National and see what weight he gets.”