Intensical gets the better of his older rivals

Intensical got the better of his older rivals in the Tote Punchestown Preview At Naas Handicap, scoring under Rory Cleary for Jim Bolger.

The youngest horse in the race at just three, he was sent to post a 12/1 chance after finished down the field on his seasonal reappearance in the Madrid Handicap at the Curragh last month.

Drawn on the wide outside in stall fifteen, the son of Intense Focus was settled in third, and he was driven along to challenge at the two furlong pole.

He soon hit the front, and he kept on well for pressure over a furlong out, going on to score by two lengths at the line. Lean And Keen who also raced prominently, finished in second under Danny Grant for Sean Byrne at 6/1, while Iron Major (14/1) kept on well from the rear to take third, a further length behind under Robbie Downey for Eddie Lynam.

Jim Bolger said afterwards: "He is a hardy fellow, and he handles that ground well which opens up new possibilities for him."

RTE Rugby presenter and journalist Tom McGurk was on hand afterwards to accept the winning owners prize on behalf of Mrs Jackie Bolger.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee