Walk Away Harry, right, catches Irish Panther© Photo Healy Racing
Walk Away Harry (11/1) came from a good bit back to run down Irish Panther in the concluding Avison Young INH Flat Race over 2m2f at Punchestown.
Irish Panther got the better of Quantum Storm in the final furlong and was ridden by John Gleeson to go for home, however, Ray Barron drove a finish out of Walk Away Harry who surged home to strike in the final strides.
He came in by half a length from the 9/2 runner-up. Dr Eggman came through for third at 7/1 under Jody Townend.
Charles Byrnes and Ray Barron won this race last year with 25/1 shot Green Glory who went on to win a novice handicap hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Byrnes said: “He had a great run the last day in Clonmel, but we were a bit concerned the ground today wasn't soft enough for him.
“The two-miles-two helped and he gave him a brilliant ride.
“We were a bit worried about the form of the horses in it, it looked to be a good bumper. I think he'll be a better horse in heavy ground.
“He'll be a nice horse for novice hurdling next year, two-and-a-half miles in soft ground.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
