Coup for Kinane

Michael Kinane took yesterday's Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes on the favourite Tout A Coup at Gowran Park in a tight finish with Jim Bolger's front-running Ceirseach, writes Ian Davies.

Kinane, who survived a tumble from the runner-up Fantasticus after passing the post in the opening race, looked set for a clear-cut victory as the Cheshire Oaks winner Tout A Coup moved up readily to tackle Ceirsaech and Kevin Manning. However, Kinane had to get down in earnest on the favourite to get her up by a short-head, right on the line. The filly now goes for the Irish Oaks at The Curragh. "I was a little worried that Tout A Coup might be found wanting because she missed two pieces of work recently and she's just showing signs of restlessness that suggests she may be coming into season," the winning trainer, Gerry Cusack, said.

Kinane escaped with just a shaking after the first race, when the Dermot Weld-trained Fantasticus swerved at the path across the course less than 100 yards after the finish and threw Kinane through the plastic rails on to the infield. However, the former Irish champion jockey was soon on his feet and flexing his right hand which took the main force of the impact.