Leopardstown report: The triple St Leger hero Vinnie Roe was sensationally beaten in his first start of the year at Leopardstown last night after the complete outsider Windermere was allowed a virtual solo-run in the Savel Beg Stakes.

John Murtagh stole the race at the very start when he bounced the Ted Walsh-trained Windermere from the stalls and in double quick time went over a furlong clear.

Remarkably, none of his five opponents showed any interest in chasing him until it was far too late and although Vinnie Roe eventually closed to within four and a half lengths at the line there was never any doubt about Windermere hanging on.

Murtagh returned to a hero's reception on the ex-John Gosden 14 to 1 shot but it was a very different story for Pat Smullen in the runners-up spot who had to deal with cat-calls from some irate punters.

In many ways, however, Smullen was in an impossible position. He was hardly the number one candidate to chase down the winner and none of his colleagues showed any interest in taking on the job until it was nearly all over.

"What was I supposed to do? Chase him down on a horse carrying 10.2 and end up falling in a hole?" the former champion jockey argued. "The Ascot Gold Cup was not run tonight."

Dermot Weld confirmed that the Royal Ascot feature will be next for the star stayer but contented himself with saying: "It was an excellent tactical ride from John Murtagh and the winner is a good horse."

The stewards afterwards interviewed all the riders, with the exception of Murtagh, and noted their explanations.

The winner's trainer Ted Walsh wasn't apportioning blame, however, and sympathised with Smullen's predicament.

"I don't blame any of the lads. My horse ran like a mule the last time and what would have been said if he'd fallen in a hole," he said.

"I told Johnny that the horse is fit and away you go. He's rated 107 so he was entitled to run." Catherine Gannon was last in the Savel Beg aboard Darabanka but had better luck in the seven furlong handicap aboard Dollars Rock. However, she got a one-day ban for careless riding in that race.

Jim Bolger is contemplating running his star filly Alexander Goldrun, runner up in the Irish Guineas, in the Prix de Diane at Longchamp next month and he looks to have another smart filly on his hands in Pictavia.

The daughter of Sinndar disputed the lead with the odds on favourite Showdance in the seven furlong maiden and despite appearing to be headed outside the furlong pole she battled back to eventually score by two and a half lengths.

The Swordlestown Stud Stakes at Naas on Monday week is an option for the winner.

Con Collins unveiled his first two-year-old runner of the season in the Auction Maiden and Jenkins Lane arrived late to beat the favourite Hard Warrior by half a length.

"It's a good way to gauge what we've got so hopefully we have a smart bunch at home," said Collins's daughter, Tracy.