O'Connor seen to terrific effect on Its On The Line

Derek O'Connor took the riding plaudits in the Irish Daily Star Champions Hunters Chase at Punchestown.

The jockey was seen pushing and shoving Its On The Line at the forefront of the field over this three-mile trip.

The effort to keep the revs up paid up as he had all bar Vaucelet and Barry O'Neill beaten off swinging for home.

Last year's runner-up Vaucelet was switched wide in the straight to leave the leader lonely. They jumped the penultimate fence almost in unison, but wide apart, until Its On The Line tacked over to try and race with Vaucelet before the last.

Its On The Line led narrowly at the last and found more on the run-in as Vaucelet switched to his inner for one last crack.

The leader was driven out to score by a length at 6/1 from the 2/1 favourite. Lough Derg Spirit was some 40 lengths behind in third at 11/1.

“He doesn't make life easy, but there is an engine in there somewhere,” said Emmet Mullins.

“Derek was great. We knew he can be a bit leery at times and I said to Derek bounce out and go forward.

“Derek said there was a loose horse at the third last and, once that passed him, he came back on the bridle.

“He just needs a bit of a lead, but he's a relentless stayer too. It's just trying to get it all to come together and it did today.

“It's brilliant for the college, Cistercian College, where I went to school and had great memories. It's special to be able to share that today with them.

“There is loads of ability there and it's just a matter of getting it out of him. He wouldn't do much in front on his own, but Derek was wise to Barry's moves. We gave him a sighter everywhere and it definitely told in the finish.

“He's only six and to be doing what he's doing in this field, he could rack up a few in this field but we'll see. Time will tell.”

Last year's winner Billaway crashed out in the early stages.

Paddy Power shortened Its On The Line from 8/1 to 6/1 for the hunters 'chase at Cheltenham.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson