Joe Jo Proves Swinton Star

Fahey - won Haydock feature.

Joe Jo Star sprung a 16-1 surprise in the feature toteswinger Swinton Handicap Hurdle on a mixed card at Haydock.

Richard Fahey's charge was relatively unconsidered for the £75,000 event, despite finishing third in a competitive handicap hurdle at Aintree's Grand National meeting on his most recent start.

However, he made a mockery of his price as he moved up sweetly on to the heels of long-time leader Ellerslie Tom two flights from home.

Brian Hughes then sent him on after the last and he had the measure of Ellerslie Tom, triumphing by half a length.

Hot Diamond came late and fast to finish a head third while Danehill Willy ran a cracker on his first start in 568 days to claim fourth.

The winner is owned by a Timeform syndicate, and the firm's Kieran Packman explained: "There's about 30 members of Timeform and friends involved.

"We came here just pleased to have a horse good enough to run in the race. We were just hoping he might finish in the first six, so it is fantastic he has gone and won it for us.

"Simon Walker organised the syndicate but it's his 40th birthday so he hasn't come."

Packman's colleague Graeme Smith added: "We might have a look at the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen for him now."

Rhys Flint, rider of the runner-up was cautioned by the stewards for his use of the whip, while the officials also wanted to speak to winning rider Hughes but he had left to take up his rides at Hexham.

Hughes had earlier commented: "What a way to get off the cold list - I have had about 30 rides without a winner in three weeks.

"All credit to Richard, he is the one who trained it and I have just had to sit and do the steering."