Dual banks winner completes hat-trick on handicap bow

The Staycations At Wexford Handicap Steeplechase (0-102) saw dual Punchestown Festival winner Singing Banjo (11/4 jt fav) make the most of a lowly handicap mark to complete a hat-trick of wins.

After his notable double within the space of three days over the banks course back in April, winning the marathon La Touche Chase on the second occasion, Barry Walsh’s mount led going to two out and stayed on well to see off the persistent challenge of An Droichead Gorm (8/1) by half a length.

Winning trainer Philip Rothwell said: "I'm delighted. He would be better over an extra mile. Barry gave him a really good ride.

"Rightback Atya (stable companion) took him along at a right good gallop and he probably just wants the ground a little bit softer, but it helped Banjo anyway. He needs every yard of three mile one. We could do with another half mile but there just aren't races like that here.

"I'll speak to John (Walsh, owner) and Barry and see if there are any three and a half mile chases in the UK. Some of the lower grade ones would be worth looking at. I think he'd be so much better with an extra half a mile in front of him. It's up to the Walshs though, whatever they want to do.

"Today was his first handicap and he was only running off of 81. He loves the bit of good ground and the further the better. I guess his last two outings over the banks didn't do his head any harm either.

"It's wonderful for the Walshs, they put all the work it. Barry comes over and rides him out every day."

Quotes from Donal Murphy