Style claims fortuitous win after drama at the last

There was a dramatic conclusion to the feature race at Punchestown today, the Grade A Aon Handicap Chase, with the 7/4 favourite Call The Police crashing out at the last with the race at his mercy, forcing Foildubh to unseat (the 5/1 second favourite) in the process.

This left the Eddie Harty trained Like Your Style to come through to gain a fortuitous victory under Mark Walsh.

Having opened at a general price of 11/4 this morning Call The Police was well supported and was sent to post the 7/4 favourite for Ruby Walsh & Willie Mullins.

After jumping well throughout, he travelled best and moved into the lead approaching the last with Foildubh looking set to fill the runner-up spot.

However he pecked on landing and fell at the last bringing Foildubh to a halt and he unshipped Paul Carberry as a result.

This left Like Your Style, who was backed from 16/1 into 12/1 on course, in the lead and he stayed on well from there to score by half a length from the front running Belle Brook in second at 25/1 while Ninetieth Minute was a neck back in third at 6/1.

The winner, who is an 8yo son of Flemensfirth, was recording his first win over fences on his thirteenth start over them.

His sole career victory before today came in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in February of this year.

Having won the first with Knocklong winning owner JP McManus was recording a double on the card.

Winning trainer Eddie Harty said afterwards: "You need a bit of luck every now and then. He was going to be a good third and I would have been delighted with that.

"He jumped well and Mark put him to sleep and he came into it nicely. He was maybe done for toe coming down to the last.

"When he was left in front maybe he was there too long. He is the first horse I had for JP (McManus) after Captain Cee Bee and I always thought there was a good one in him someday.

"It’s hard to know what the handicapper will do to him now. He was only going to be third so he should only get one or two pounds.

"At least I get to lead the trainers championship for a day now!"

Donal Murphy & Gary Carson