Pebble Bleu leads home Joyeux Vivo© Photo Healy Racing
Pebble Bleu provided Michael Kenneally with his first track winner in Ireland, as she battled gamely to land the Morell Suite At Punchestown (Q.R) Handicap Chase.
On what was her debut in handicap company, the Colin Motherway-trained five-year-old was sent off an 18/1 chance.
In front before the second, the grey victor established a healthy lead, with her advantage reduced from four out.
Joined from the penultimate obstacle and appearing a sitting duck, she found more when ridden away from the last and ultimately came home a length and a quarter to the good.
While he looked the most likely winner approaching the last, Joyeux Vivo (8/1) had to settle for second under John Gleeson, with The Dabbler (12/1) a further two and three quarters of a length back in third.
"She jumped super, she’s honest and tough," Kenneally, who is from Dungourney, Co. Cork, reflected.
"I never felt like I was going to get beat even when they came to me. She was winging fences and I knew she had plenty.
"I rode her the other day in a bit of work and I really liked her. I was happy she showed what she could do today.
"I ride out with John Halley two days a week. I'm also with Colin two days and a number of yards around home.
"I went over to England when I was 18 and rode three winners on the Flat and I’ve ridden point-to-point winners this year."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Following a request from broadcasters, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for a two minute delay to this race.
Mr S. Connor, rider of Nowinittowinit trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a mistake and never travelled thereafter.
Mr T. Walsh, rider of Ardaghs Choice trained by E.Sheehy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up injured.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ardaghs Choice, trained by E.Sheehy, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
