Rapid Response and Sean O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
After a double here on Wednesday Jessica Harrington put another Punchestown 2021 winner on the board in the Grade B Hanlon Concrete Irish EBF Glencarraig Lady Francis Flood Mares Handicap Chase with Rapid Response
Wexford jockey Sean O’Keeffe of course made the breakthrough at Cheltenham this year on Galopin Des Champs, and he capped off a good campaign as he got Rapid Response up on the line to win by a neck.
It could have been different for runner-up and favourite Scarlet And Dove had she not hit the second last hard, but it was a good display in any case from the successful daughter of Network, owned by Ann & Alan Potts Limited.
O’Keeffe was in their second silks (purple cap) as Magic Of Light carried the principal set (red cap).
The money was for Rapid Response though (11s into 9s) as top-weight Magic Of Light (18/1) pulled up early after being slow at the second.
Said Mrs Harrington’s daughter Kate afterwards: “We always thought there was a big one in her and it’s lovely to see her go and do that.
“It’s quite fitting for the week that’s in it, that the Potts' have a winner, with them donating a statue of Sizing John.
“It was a race meeting that Alan and Ann always loved to come to each year. Magic Of Light won it off a mark of 128 back in 2018, and I think Rapid is going to be an exciting staying filly going forward.
“It was the plan all year to aim her at this and it was very exciting just getting up on the line. As a young horse Ann had a very fond connection with her before she passed away.”
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Agusta Gold trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
R.M. Power, rider of Magic Of Light trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and nearly refused the second fence.
Ciaran Murphy, trainer of Bridge Native reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to be in season post race.
(AM & EM)
