The cross country course at Punchestown has thrown up plenty of incident over the years, and the unique terrain of banks, stone walls, hurdles and fences again provided plenty of talking points in the Marlborough Cup Cross Country Chase on Saturday.
Another Excuse, without a win since taking the Midlands National at Uttoxeter nearly four years ago, looked sure to score when holding a sizeable lead after two out. However the Brendan O'Sullivan-ridden veteran lost considerable ground after swinging very wide into into the straight, and was pegged back by Native Status in the final 100 yards.
The drama did not end there as Barry Potts, rider of fifth-placed Find Out More, objected to the runner-up for taking the wrong course about a mile from home. Potts alleged that the 12-year-old gelding went outside two hurdles instead of going between them and, after a protracted enquiry which was delayed until after the following race, Another Excuse was disqualified.
Winning trainer Tommy Carberry nominated the La Touche Cup here at the Festival meeting as the main target for Native Status, and he also reported Bobbyjo in fine form for a repeat bid in the Grand National. The Aintree showpiece is also the plan for Another Excuse and Fiftysevenchannels. The latter was reappearing after a 15 month layoff in this cross country event, and weakened quickly inside the final half mile.
