Canyon crumbles to cost money buyers

The opening maiden at the Curragh was dominated by Godolphin-owned horses, but some in-running money buyers paid the price when favourite and long-time leader Ice Canyon was collared close home by Holistic Approach. The runner-up traded at Betfair’s minimum 1.01 with nearly £5,000 matched at that price, although the winner never went higher than 27. The Aidan O’Brien-traiend Spirit Of Valor was the huge eyecatcher, flying home late for third.

At Chepstow some in-running punters must have forgotten how long the straight is because Splash Of Ginge traded at 1.27 in the win and 1.02 in the place market for the 2m3½f handicap chase and finished well beaten. He did look to be going very well in front turning for home with five to jump, but had gone hard and was a spent force two out. The race went to Art Mauresque, who often goes well fresh and just held on from the strong-finishing Double Shuffle.