Need To Know upsets Bolger quartet

Need To Know recorded his first win under rules when staying on strongly to land the Dooley Insurances Cross Country Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.

The nine-time point winner made a bad mistake before halfway when fourth to Enniskillen over the banks here on Tuesday but put the record straight over the same three-mile circuit.

The early exit of Ballyboker Bridge when unseating Andrew Lynch at Rubys Double for the first time appeared to leave the way clear for the Enda Bolger-trained quartet all owned by J P McManus.

However their sole remaining rival proved far too strong in the closing stages as the John Brennan-trained 8/1 chance stayed on really well to beat Love Rory by eight lengths.

The nine-year-old gelding was providing rider Benny Walsh, who also won this 12 months ago aboard Mtada Supreme, with a third winner over the banks at Punchestown. Blue Templar was trying to mount a challenge when slipping on the approach to the penultimate fence and unshipping Ray Barron, while Colour Squadron didn’t help his chance with a mistake two out.

Winning owner Colm Hearne said, “We thought he had a chance but to win it the way he did was brilliant. He’s won nine point-to-points and that’s his first win on the track but he’s been unlucky.

“He’s a big strong horse and is well able to run twice in the week. Benny got a good tune out of him. I have a few other younger horses but I usually don’t hold onto them, and sell them on.”