Western enjoys better luck at Punchestown

Western Boy had much better fortune in the Killashee Handicap Hurdle this year as he ran out a cosy winner of the €60,000 contest at Punchestown.

Pat Fahy 's charge had fallen in the contest 12 months ago and suffered serious injuries to his head.

The eight-year-old bounced back, and travelled supremely well today to lead going to the last under Jody McGarvey.

The 14/1 shot stuck on well in the closing stages to record a length-and-a-half success in the colours of JP McManus.

“That was great. He's a lucky horse to be here at all because last year he got brought down and his sinus and all that part of his nose was broken,” said Fahy.

“He was going well but got an awful fall. He didn't just slip up, a horse kicked him in the head as well.

“They did a great job to get him back. I'm very happy with him.

“He has a great cruising speed but it takes a lot to put it together. He'd often be going well and land on top of a hurdle and it would be all over. It's nice when it comes together once.

“He was a great horse (as a novice) but his jumping let him down. His jumping left him down at Cheltenham that year, when he was beaten ten lengths by Vautour, he nearly ended up out in the carpark.

“He just needs everything to go right for him. Jumping has always been a problem but it was good today.

When asked could he tackle fences again Fahy said:- “I wouldn't be in favour of it at the moment. He has the hang of this now and with the help of god he'll stay sound.

“You'd imagine we could look at the Galway Hurdle and he might take in something on the Flat.”