Sadler's Risk and David Mullins on their way to victory over Lord Scoundrel and Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Henry de Bromhead completed a Grade 3 Punchestown double as Sadler's Risk gained the day under David Mullins in the Irish Daily Star Chase.
Ruby Walsh rode the previous de Bromhead scorer, Three Stars but on this occasion he was relegated to the runner-up spot as he was aboard Lord Scoundrel the favourite, for Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott.
That Galway Plate hero tried to made all, but the 2015 Munster National scorer Sadler's Risk always had him in his sights.
They had a good duel from some way out but Sadler's Risk was looking likely to be strongest from before the second last, which he was at the finish by five and a half lengths.
"I'm delighted with that. He did it really nicely and it was a super ride from David," said de Bromhead.
"He was in right at the weights and the handicapper got it spot on.
"He'll probably go for the James Nicholson now and we'll see how he gets on in that.
"He jumped really well. I thought he got close to a couple but that's his style. He picked up when he asked him to and he's got a lot of class.
"That was his first test today and now we'll try him in the north.
"Unfortunately he's better going right-handed than left. He really struggles going left-handed.
"He probably won't run on winter ground but I'll have to speak to Roger (Brookhouse, owner)."
(GC & EM)
