Unowhatimeanharry leads Nichols Canyon© Photo Healy Racing
The Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdles threw up another memorable finish at Punchestown today as Unowhatimeanharry edged a titanic duel with Nichols Canyon
The Harry Fry gelding, who could only finish third when sent off an odds-on shot for the Stayer Hurdles at Cheltenham, gained compensation with an ultra game effort today.
Noel Fehily elected to hit the front three from home on the 4/1 shot but Cheltenham hero Nichols Canyon travelled with menace to track turning for home.
Unowhatimeanharry, in the colours of JP McManus showed a tremendous attitude on the run-in, however, as Nichols Canyon got upsides under Ruby Walsh.
There was nothing between them coming to the line and it was just on the bob of their heads that Unowhatimeanharry edged out the 7/4 favourite by a head.
“There are two brilliant horses and neither really deserved to lose,” said Fry.
“Today was our day and Noel was brilliant on him. The horse is tough as nails and really dug deep all the way from the back of the last.
“My voice is feeling a bit worse for wear. It's special, theses days, a Grade One, especially following the disappointment of Cheltenham.
“He didn't run badly at Cheltenham but obviously we were very hopeful of his chances. To come back and get his head in front is brilliant.
“It was two absolutely top class jockeys at their very best and two brilliant horses as well. Another fantastic finish this week.
“They didn't go a furious gallop and I don't need to tell Noel how to ride his race. He's ridden more winners than I'll probably ever train.
“He took it up, he knows the horse inside out, and he has enough up his sleeve to fend off the challenge. It was just a brilliant race.
“I haven't been able to watch the Cheltenham race back as it's just more disappointment. It didn't happen for us on the day and I haven't been able to bring myself to watch it but we'll watch this one that's for sure!
“It just wasn't his day then but thankfully today it was.
“He's a nine-year-old. We'll speak to Mr McManus and Frank Berry and decide what we want to do but I wouldn't have thought at nine he'll go chasing. Hopefully we'll get another chance at the Stayers Hurdle.
“We've just missed at Cheltenham, obviously with Neon Wolf very close and Harry ran well.
“Punchestown has been very lucky for us and to come and get a big winner at a big festival is great.”
Willie Mullins said of the runner-up:- “We are just not getting the rub of the green I suppose. However they are running well.
"Footpad (finished third) was running a good race and I was hoping he might finish nearer but for the first two to open up 18 lengths was a lot.”
Sutton Place was pulled up quickly going to the second last flight.
Unowhatimeanharry was shortened for next year's Stayers Hurdle by Paddypower and is now 8/1 from 12/1. Nichols Canyon is 7/1 from 6/1 with the same firm.
Betfair make Nichols Canyon 7/1 for next year's Cheltenham contest with Unowhatimeanharry 9/1.
