Santo Storms To Portland

Santo Padre's winning jockey Colm O'Donoghue.

Irish raider Santo Padre (14-1) finished best of all on the stands side to win going away in the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap.

As is the norm in this type of contest, the field split almost immediately into two groups, with Jaconet leading them on the near rail and Pavershooz and Markab prominent on the far side.

Captain Dunne went a length or so clear just inside the final furlong, but Everymanforhimself and the David Marnane-trained Santo Padre were just hitting top gear, with the latter having a length and a quarter to spare at the line.

Captain Dunne was another half a length back in third, with Green Manalishi fourth.

Winning rider Colm O'Donoghue said: "David always knew and said that he was a very good horse.

"He just wanted his ground, he never got it all year.

"We've had a lot of rain all year in Ireland - it's been hard for a lot of horses to compete.

"He gets six furlongs. He's got a good kick and a good finish, he did it well."

Marnane added: "He needs good ground and we hardly ever get it in Ireland. "He always comes late on the scene, but he missed the break today which made it a bit harder.

"This has been the plan since before two runs ago, but he's relatively inexperienced.

"That could be it for the year now, but we'll consider Dubai."

Kevin Ryan said of Everymanforhimself: "He's run a blinder and I'm delighted with him.

"Jamie (Spencer) said there were no excuses, but over five and a half furlongs they go too quick for too long and you can't get a breather into him.

"He loves top of the ground and if it dries out in Scotland he'll go for the Ayr Gold Cup."

Tim Easterby was similarly satisfied with third-placed Captain Dunne.

Easterby said: "Dave (Allan) said he took it up far too soon, but he was left with no option. He's run an absolute blinder.

"He's got the trip well and we might go to York next month for another sprint."