Benefficient springs 50-1 shock at Leopardstown

Report: Leopardstown, Sunday

Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m2f, 5yo+
 
BENEFFICIENT made all the running under Bryan Cooper to spring a 50-1 shock and dent some lofty reputations in this Grade 1 contest.

The six-year-old, trained by Tony Martin, dictated matters from the off and had enough in reserve to hold off the late challenge of 2-1 favourite Sous Les Cieux.

Grade 1 winners Captain Conan and Cash And Go both proved disappointing and finished well down the field.

Benefficient, who was pulled up at Thurles on his latest start, set a steady pace throughout and looked sure to be swallowed up as the seven-runner field reduced his advantage turning into the straight.

However, Cooper pressed on again approaching the second last and none of his rivals could match the winner's finishing kick as he stretched clear.

Benefficient was welcomed back into the winner's enclosure in rapturous style. His owner Aidan Sheils, who owns the Irish Rover bar in New York, travelled over to watch the race and led the vocal celebrations.

"He's a proper horse and when Ruby [Walsh] rode him to win his maiden at Navan he really liked him," said Martin.

"He's still a big baby and disappointed us at Thurles last time but that was the ground he wanted out there and I'm so happy for the lads Aidan and Niall [Reilly] who came over from New York to see him run.

"It's a dream come through for them. He's in everything at Cheltenham so I'd say he'll go for something there."