Advantage Point (Mark O'Hare) beats Batcio (Aubrey McMahon)© Photo Healy Racing
Pre-race the Ladbrokes Download The Grid App INH Flat Race may have been all about Emmet Mullins' newcomer, Argent Et Or (8/11), but it was easy-to-back Advantage Point that stole the show in the Punchestown finale.
Argent Et Or couldn't raise his effort when required into the straight and had to settle for fourth place.
At the same time Leopardstown Christmas festival sixth placer Advantage Point was hitting top stride.
Mark O'Hare rode the 12/1 chance, a son of Germany, for Eddie Harty. At the line the flashy chestnut had a length and a half to spare over Batcio
"He's a nice horse and is the nicest Germany I've had since the good lad (Captain Cee Bee). He ran well at Christmas and wanted better ground but I didn't think I'd have to wait six months to run him," said Harty.
"I'm particularly delighted for the McHale brothers (Nora's Boys Partnership). Martin is with me a long time and Padraic is involved as well. I don't think we'll produce him again until he goes over hurdles. That's where his future lies."
The Stewards fined Paul Power, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Sicario Jack in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Sicario Jack in accordance with the provisions of rule 90(iv).
The Stewards received a report from Mr. H. T. Hynes, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr R. Foley, rider of Watching Brief weighed in at 1.5 Ibs overweight.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated accepted that this was the case.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that rider was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, they suspended him for 1 raceday.
(AM & EM)
