THE Grade 3 Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle produced a remarkable finish when Emma Lavelle’s Paisley Park, 4/1, seemingly with no chance at the final flight, made up several lengths to get up and beat Shades Of Midnight and First Assignment.

The placed horses deserve more than a word of sympathy. Having made most of the running, Shades Of Midnight rallied at the last when challenged by warm favourite First Assignment and went on again, only to be caught in the dying strides. For his part, First Assignment – on and off the bridle and with a 5lb penalty for an easy win seven days previously – found this coming a shade too soon but ran a very brave race.