Delight for 'Shark' as he lands Bishopscourt Cup for the O'Rourkes

Even money favourite Rewritetherules convincingly defied a twelve stone nine burden to land the Paddy Power Hunters Steeplechase for the Bishopscourt Cup at Punchestown.

A bit keen at times in the hands of Tom Hamilton, the John ‘Shark’ Hanlon-trained Jeremy seven-year-old beat mainly older rivals, taking over and heading for home from three out.

Outside of the market-leader, Beyond Redemption (11/2 into 100/30) was the one for money, but from the front he could ultimately do no better than third as Alpha Male chased home Rewritetherules at a distance of eight lengths.

Beyond Redemption was three parts of a length back then.

“The plan when they bought him was to win this cup. The O’Rourke’s (Dermot and Diane) wanted to win this cup for years and they are only four minutes from the course. I’m delighted to get the job done for them,” said Hanlon.

“He’ll probably go on hurdling and chasing now and could come back for this race next year.

“I was afraid of the ground this morning when it was yielding and I was hoping it wouldn’t be gone too soft.

“He’s a big horse with big feet and usually a horse with big feet wants soft ground but this lad wants it good.”

Looking to tomorrow the Kilkenny man said: “Skyace is in good form and I couldn’t be happier with her.

“I’m hoping the ground won’t stop her as she’s a much better mare on good ground. I don’t want any more rain, and if we don’t I think she will take all the beating.”

Mr H.C. Swan, rider of Covert Field trained by John G. Carr, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ducked right crossing the road past the stands and unseated him.

(AM & EM)