Con on course for Cheltenham after banks win

Neverushacon powered home from the last to run out a convincing winner of the opening PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.

Jessica Harrington 's charge was making his third appearance in this sphere and set himself up for a return to Cheltenham, having been fifth over the cross-country course there in December.

Paddy Kennedy tracked the leaders on the 4/1 second favourite and he stayed on under pressure to press the front-running Ballyboker Bridge at the final fence.

Once over that obstacle he soon claimed the lead and asserted in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

9/10 favourite Yanworth finished half a length further back in third.

Harrington said afterwards:- “David (Reid Scott, owner) has been in the Mater Hospital with a spinal injury since June 16 last year and it’s great that nearly all his grandchildren are here today.

David’s daughter Camilla was watching the race with him up in the Mater and that will give him a great boost.

“The horse absolutely loves it and roll on Cheltenham. Every time he sees a fence he wants to go again.

“I thought the ground might be a bit heavy for him and hopefully he’ll get a bit of nice ground in Cheltenham. He stays really well.”

BoyleSports introduced the winner at 10/1 for the Cross Country at Cheltenham, while Paddy Power pushed out Yanworth to 12/1 (from 6/1).

(Quotes by Alan Magee)