EDDIE HALES, based at Dundrum, Co Tipperary and one of the more colourful characters in the game, enjoyed a welcome turn when Public Reaction sprang a 16-1 surprise in the two mile October Race at Thurles yesterday.

DENIS O’REGAN, hero of Ansar’s Galway Plate victory, continued to avail of Paul Carberry’s enforced absence when sharing a double with trainer Noel Meade at Down Royal yesterday, partnering Naples and Irish Blade to victory.