Chief Of Panama and Ger Fox, nearside, tackle and ultimately beat Samanntom and Mark Enright© Photo Healy Racing
"Ger (Fox) did a good job. He was a good sub (deputising for the sidelined David Mullins), and we probably needed the 3lbs," said Liam Cusack after his Chief Of Panama got the better of Samanntom in the Download And Bet With The Ladbrokes App Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
Four to one chance Chief Of Panama came after the pace-setting favourite, Samanntom, from three out, and he challenged approaching the last.
The victorious Dr Massini gelding soon led narrowly for a three parts of a length win. Personal Shopper finished all of seventeen lengths back in third.
"The ground was plenty quick enough for him. He travelled well through the race and improved from the run at Limerick," added Cusack.
"I'd say I'll take him down to the river when we get home this evening. I wouldn't like to run on ground that quick again, and will leave it a while before he runs again."
B.J. Geraghty, rider of Baby Whizz trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped deliberately and was pulled up.
D.N. Russell, rider of Six Senses trained by Andrew Lynch, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake and was pulled up.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Night Sir trained by Ms Helen P.Markham, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount never travelled and was pulled up.
(AM & EM)
