Big upset by Little Len

Risk Of Thunder started 1 to 3 for a banks race at Punchestown yesterday and was beaten. Yes, beaten.

Repetition is necessary because all Risk Of Thunder has ever done throughout his career is earmark himself as probably the greatest banks operator that Punchestown has ever seen.

Yet 10 victories over the unique track in the last five years counted for nothing against the 50 to 1 shot Little Len who cut down Risk Of Thunder in the closing stages just as Punchestown was beginning to greet the favourite's seemingly inevitable success.

Little Len was a seventh and most high profile victory for Co Wicklow trainer Philip Rothwell but the 21-year-old, who only began training last April, poured praise on rider Paddy Murray who prepared Little Len up to six weeks ago.

"The horse was three-quarters ready and all I had to do was tune him. Paddy also won on him in a point to point banks race," Rothwell said after Little Len had put four lengths between himself and Risk Of Thunder in the last 50 yards.

Enda Bolger reported that Risk Of Thunder had got very tired in the closing stages but despite the field having been waved around "Rubys Double" the second time around, he was unwilling to offer excuses.

"Even Istabraq was beaten last week!" he quipped before declaring a holiday for Risk Of Thunder until the spring.

Little Len could be around to harry him again, however, because despite possibly running in a novice hurdle next, Rothwell is eyeing future banks races too.

"He's an exceptional little fellah who goes on any ground and stays either two miles or four miles. He's brilliant," he said.

Hobart Frisbey outpaced the hot favourite Alpha Blues in the opening maiden hurdle but punters got it right in the next although Thats Fine By Me had to get a vintage ride from Conor O'Dwyer to get home by a length.

"Conor won that," was Christy Roche's summary of Thats Fine By Me who cost O'Dwyer a long suspension at Punchestown 13 months ago.