L'Ami is King of the Castle Trainer Enda Bolger's dominance of banks races continued at Punchestown today when Bolger's veteran stablemates L'ami defeated King Johns Castle in the New Banks Course Risk Of Thunder Chase. L'Ami, under John Thomas McNamara, led from the fourteenth fence and, while King Johns Castle did throw down a strong challenge from two out, the 3/10 'jolly' battled well for a length and a half win. Just seven horses, three of which were trained by Bolger, lined up for the three miles contest and afterwards Bolger did mention "the turnout was disappointing and the race could have done with another eight or nine more runners - the clash with Cheltenham's banks race yesterday was unfortunate." He added "L'Ami will now run in at Cheltenham in December - I'd say JT (McNamara) got a bit of a shock to have to work so hard to win today though!" Regarding one-time Aintree Grand National runner-up King Johns Castle, who now appears somewhat rejuvenated since his infamous refusals to start last season, Bolger said "he can go down the hunter chase route now and there is also a banks race for him back here in February too."
