Fifth win for Madden's Highdownhill

The Niall Maddens were on the mark, for owner J.P.McManus, in the www.punchestown.com For Better Value Handicap Steeplechase at Punchestown today when Highdownhill registered his fifth career success.

Niall (Slippers) Madden Jnr was patient on the New Zealand bred gelding, gradually progress to lead on the run-in, before defeating top weight Harpsy Cord by half a length.

Owner McManus' Racing Manager Frank Berry represented winning trainer Niall (Boots) Madden afterwards and stated “Highdownhill did it nicely and we'll find another one like that somewhere.

“He handled conditions quite well and popped away. He enjoys getting a bit of a chance early on and he came home well and he received a lovely ride.”

The race also featured an unusual unseat at the fence away from the stands by Leggy Lad which blundered Davy Russell out of the saddle. Russell, a coach on the recent TG4 programme Jockey Eile, landed on his feet alongside his mount which Russell then pulled up, while running, some strides later.

Further reporting by Gary Carson