Luke's Benefit, right, arriving on the premises at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Grey horse Luke’s Benefit came with a powerful late rattle under Brian Cawley down the outside to take the two mile handicap chase at Punchestown. Itsuptoyou appeared to be going best coming round the home turn but jumped wide two out and that opened the door for Luke’s Benefit after the last to get a head of steam up.
The 2/1 favourite got home by three parts of a length from Itsuptoyou (5/1) and Whats On The Menu in third at 7/2.
Denis Hogan trains the 10-year-old, who like the first winner of the day is also a son of Beneficial. He said: “That’s great. I didn’t jock myself off, Noel O’Brien [handicapper] did! Brian is great value for his seven-pound claim and gave him a great ride. He didn’t panic and arrived just in time.
“He is what he is ratings wise and we’ll look for something similar. There’s a race for him at Naas next week, but that might be a bit soon. He’ll mix it in handicap hurdles and chases.
“It’s great for connections (T & M Racing Partnership) as they’ve had a rough time in the last 10 days with a bereavement in the family.”
Brian Cawley picked up a two-day ban for use of the whip on the winner.
(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)
