Got Trumped and Robbie Power beat Rocky Blue and David Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
The complexion of the Sanctuary Synthetics 3-y-o Hurdle changed at the second last with victory eventually going to Jessica Harrington's favourite Got Trumped (7/2) at Punchestown.
Clear pace-setter Lever Du Soleil (10s into 7s) didn’t deserve the fall he took two out, given the display of hurdling he’d put in up to that point.
Andrew Lynch’s mount appeared to be just too brave for his own good at that penultimate flight, paying the penalty, but thankfully horse and rider seemed okay afterwards.
From that point Got Trumped proved superior to Rocky Blue The latter ‘missed’ the last, and two and three parts of a length split them.
“He's a lovely horse. We bought him at Ascot sales as an unraced horse and he was still a colt,” said Kate Harrington.
“He had a lovely run the first day in Listowel but didn't get a great run in Gowran.
“The last day he was very unlucky as he was very green in front. He did it very well there today.
“We'll probably give him two weeks off now and then aim him at Leopardstown at Christmas.
“We won't go to Fairyhouse in two weeks time because he's had a bit of racing all summer. He'll improve with a bit of dig in the ground as well.”
Power, who had a success in the sales ring with his point-to-point winner Picanha, at Cheltenham yesterday, addded:- “He improved a lot from Fairyhouse where he was very green.
“That's genuine good ground and he should improve again when he gets a bit softer.”
The Stewards fined Padraig Roche, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Rathbride Prince, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Rathbride Prince in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (iv).
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lignou (FR), trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal.
(GC & EM)
