Lisa's Storm wins

Considering the 25 to 1 shot Lisa's Storm beat another 25 to 1 runner Fountain Page at the end of the Smithwicks Handicap Hurdle, it was a wonder that shellshocked punters could applaud the winner into the enclosure at Gowran yesterday.

However, Lisa's Storm was a career-best winner for local trainer John Phelan, who trains the mare in Kilmoganny, Co Kilkenny, for his brother Pius and, with Piltown rider John Butler on board, this was a true local winner.

Shouting loudest of all was probably the sole Jackpot winner, who picked up £7,500 and he/she had a lot to shout about as Lisa's Storm made all the running. Coming to the last, Fountain Page and The Bongo Man tried to challenge but a good jump from the winner sealed it.

"Her last run was not great but her form before that wasn't bad. Unfortunately I didn't back her, but this is a great race to win," said Pius Phelan. Lisa's Storm paid almost 65 to 1 on the Tote.

The stewards inquired into Lisa's Storm improvement in form compared to her last run at Roscommon on Monday and noted John Phelan's explanation. They also fined him £250 for not reporting that Lisa's Storm was lame after her race on Monday.

The Arkle Trophy was being tentatively pencilled in for Amberleigh House after Michael Hourigan's six-year-old beat Lady Daisy and Marsul in the Beginners Chase.

Jamie Spencer's season has been highlighted by the 1,000 Guineas win on Tarascon, but he brought his total for the year to 27 with a brace of winners on Regency Rake in the REL Handicap and Catch The Dragon in the seven furlong maiden.

Regency Rake had looked unlucky at Listowel and when the front runners went very fast, Spencer coolly stayed at the back. Turning in Regency Rake was the only one really travelling and eventually ran out a very easy winner.

"The jockey was cool and out horse was the only one with a bit of life in him at the end. We could go for the Leopardstown November Handicap now," said Arthur Moore after a rare flat winner.

Catch The Dragon was an 11 to 10 favourite but had to fight hard to hold Khatela in the opener.