Common Venture swoops to upset favourite backers

NIALL McCullagh took the riding honours at Roscommon last night when recording a double on Common Venture and Hasainm.

Seven-year-old Common Venture, trained by Tom McCourt, upset favourite backers in the Oates Auctioneers Handicap when turning over 1/2 shot Helensburgh, which was attempting to defy a 5lb penalty incurred at Galway last week.

The favourite looked set for victory when driven into the lead by Declan McDonogh early in the straight but had no answer when McCullagh produced Common Venture to lead inside the final furlong and record a convincing two lengths victory.