Joe Jo Stars at Haydock

Joe Jo Star sprung a 16-1 surprise in the feature toteswinger Swinton Handicap Hurdle on a mixed card at Haydock today.

Richard Fahey's charge was relatively unconsidered for the £75,000 (€84,401) event, despite finishing third in a competitive handicap hurdle at Aintree's Grand National meeting on his most recent start.

However, he made a mockery of his price as he moved up sweetly on to the heels of long-time leader Ellerslie Tom two flights from home.

Brian Hughes then sent him on after the last and he had the measure of Ellerslie Tom, triumphing by half a length.

Hot Diamond came late and fast to finish a head third while Danehill Willy ran a cracker on his first start in 568 days to claim fourth.

The winner is owned by a Timeform syndicate, and the firm's Kieran Packman explained: "There's about 30 members of Timeform and friends involved.

"We came here just pleased to have a horse good enough to run in the race. We were just hoping he might finish in the first six, so it is fantastic he has gone and won it for us.

"Simon Walker organised the syndicate but it's his 40th birthday so he hasn't come."

Packman's colleague Graeme Smith added: "We might have a look at the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen for him now."

Rhys Flint, rider of the runner-up was cautioned by the stewards for his use of the whip, while the officials also wanted to speak to winning rider Hughes but he had left to take up his rides at Hexham.

Hughes had earlier commented: "What a way to get off the cold list - I have had about 30 rides without a winner in three weeks.

"All credit to Richard, he is the one who trained it and I have just had to sit and do the steering."

Elzahann foiled a gamble on Tony Martin's Irish raider Green Mile in the toteplacepot Long Distance Handicap Hurdle.

Green Mile was sent off the 4-1 market leader under Ruby Walsh after being well supported before the off and he looked a possible winner as the field turned for home.

However, Graham Lee was still travelling well aboard the Ferdy Murphy-trained Elzahann and the 11-2 shot hit the front at the second last before finding enough reserves to hold Green Mile by two and a quarter lengths with Ogee third.

Murphy said: "Graham gave her a super ride. She is a very good mare and she has got one of the best pedigrees in the book.

"I think we will give her a break and then have a season novice chasing before she goes to the paddocks."

Walsh gained some compensation for that defeat as the Paul Nicholls-trained Font (11-4 favourite) made a successful fencing bow in the Totequadpot Beginners' Chase.

Beacon Lodge proved the star of the show on the level as he swooped late and fast to justify market support in the totescoop6 Spring Trophy Stakes.

Backed down to 9-2, George Baker the winner with a perfectly-timed run up the rail though and he just edged in front by three-quarters of a length at the line from Ordnance Row.

Winning trainer Clive Cox was not at the track, but his representative Steven Saltmarsh said: "He ran well at Doncaster first time out over a trip short of his best. We are pleased with the way he's come on and done it.

"He was in the Victoria Cup at Ascot but we thought the ground might be a bit quick for him there so we decided to come here instead."

Baker completed a double as Royal Rock (9-4 favourite) showed his rivals a clean pair of heels in the toteexacta Conditions Stakes.

Chris Wall's runner was always travelling well down the outside and Baker just had to push him out to win by four lengths from Abraham Lincoln.

Wall said: "He's a very nice horse. We will probably have to look for a Listed race for him now as the handicapper might have his say.

"I think he will get seven furlongs but he does need a bit of cut."

Kingdom Of Light (7-2) could be heading for Royal Ascot after he came out on top in the first division of the totesport Home Of Pool Betting Maiden Stakes.

Trainer Howard Johnson said: "We'll have a look at the Norfolk and Coventry Stakes for him at Ascot. A stiff five furlongs would help him there."

Silvestre de Sousa was banned for three days (May 23-25 inclusive) after being found guilty of excessive use of the whip aboard second-placed Metroland in the Bet Totepool At totesport.com Handicap.

The race was won by 3-1 favourite Dark Lane.