Assembly proves tough for Walsh treble

Morning Assembly battled back to grab the spoils in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.

Ruby Walsh, registering a treble in the opening three races, was always prominent on the Pat Fahy-trained gelding and was in front as they turned for home.

He looked booked for second, however, as 4/5 favourite Don Cossack hit the front at the penultimate fence.

Walsh got a good tune from his mount as he pressed the market leader at the last and he stuck on gamely to get up close home for a half length success.

The winner was making it two from two over fences having also scored here on his chasing debut late last month.

“I’m delighted with that. He’ll probably go to Leopardstown over Christmas for the three-miler,” said Fahy.

“The RSA at Cheltenham would be the obvious target long-term but it won’t be the be all and end all.

“He could also get an entry for the four-miler there and he likes it here so it would be nice to come back in April.

“Ruby said it didn’t suit him being in front today. He has very little experience. They went so slow in Tipperary (schooling race) that a point-to-pointer was able to stay with him but he got his eye in.

“He’s probably very special and they are so hard to get. He just doesn’t let you down and keeps battling and battling.

“He’s lightly raced and that’s the way it’ll stay. We’ll plan our year and stick to it.

“He copes with heavy ground while other horses might not. He probably wouldn’t get that at Cheltenham but I imagine he’d tackle the hill there.”