Boost for Toole and McLoughlin team as Thunderosa wins

It was a long way less than the thirty length winning margin of the previous race at Punchestown but Thunderosa (15/2) was certainly convincing too, with the manner of his victory in the David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Handicap Hurdle.

Owner Fidelma Toole has enjoyed Grade Two success in the past with Captain Cj (unfortunately cracked his pastern recently), and like that fellow Thunderosa is another son of Westerner trained by Dermot McLoughlin.

In the hands of Paddy O’Hanlon Thunderosa saw out this three miles very well, beating Classic Concorde and Exciting Oscar by twelve lengths and ten lengths.

Favourite Pictures Of Home was a head back in fourth.

“He’d a good run the last day and obviously the step up in trip was a big help. Paddy said he just grinded it out. He stays well,” said McLoughlin.

“We’ll find something similar in a couple of weeks while the ground is like that. He won a point-to-point for us and he keeps galloping.

“That’s a bit of a boost for the owners as they also have Captain Cj who got hurt yesterday. He cracked his pastern joint just out for a hack canter and will have an operation tomorrow. It will need a couple of screws and he will have to stand in his box for about two months.

“Hopefully we can have him back for something like the Kerry National in Listowel.”

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Danse Away trained by T.J. Nagle Jr, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.

T.J. Nagle Jr., trainer of Danse Away, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge scoped badly post race.

(AM & EM)