Lightning strikes twice at Punchestown

You'd always be thinking that some of the locals would know more than the general population about how a KFM Hunter Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup might turn out. Well obviously someone knew something in relation to this year's victor as Johnies Star was backed from 20/1 into 14/1 at Punchestown.

Trained like yesterday's La Touche winner, Big Shu, by Peter Maher, Johnies Star got the better of Norwich Flyer from the back of the last to prevail by four and a quarter lengths. The winning stable also supplied the third in Enniskillen

Ben Brabazon did the steering on Johnies Star.

Maher commented: "I'm dumb-founded. I actually fancied Enniskillen more but the ground got him.

"I didn't think Johnies Star would go on it either but it's loose and he got through it.

"That's brilliant, I can't believe it. I didn't think lightning struck twice but it does.

"My friend that owns him, Peter Lawler, is a hunting man like myself so that's how I have him.

Meanwhile of his own prospects on The Corby Glenn in the Irish Field Chase tomorrow, he quipped: "It's an old man riding him – he's no use and I'm no use – so we'll be happy with the two cups."

Anthony Clifford, who got a fall from Barnbougle Dunes here, was taken to hospital suffering from back pain. (GC & EM)