A shambles was the best way to describe the amateur riders' chase at Punchestown on Saturday, after only two of the seven runners took the correct course after jumping the fifth fence. Twokay and Richard Harding were one of the duo and Robbie Burns' six-year-old only had to safely jump around the rest of the course to collect the prize.
Second placed Ippos chased home at a considerable distance, after that one's rider eased down to decide on who was ultimately right and who wasn't. Two who went astray then went back and jumped the remaining fences to collect the rest of the prize-money. Following a stewards' enquiry the placings remained unaltered.
Ireland now trail Australia by four points in the Australian/Irish National Hunt jockey challenge after the visiting riders took part in the three mile handicap hurdle. The score stands at 26 to 22 in favour of the men from down under after Conor O'Dwyer guided Rockwell Island to victory.
Steve Pateman successful in the first race of the series at Thurles last Thursday done best of the Aussies when finishing third aboard Sitetanic. The competition continues at Roscommon on Monday followed by a three race conclusion at Downpatrick next Wednesday.
Former international footballer, Niall Quinn was in the winner's enclosure following the success of Statim in the novice hurdle. The Kildare resident is a member of the successful Sanguine Syndicate who own the Michael O'Brien-trained four-year-old.
A winner on her last start at Listowel following a frustrating series of second placings, the daughter of Marju showed great determination here to gain a head victory over Slaney Fox who challenged strongly on the run in.
Michael O'Brien initiated a twenty one and a half to one double when C'est Fantastique took the conditions hurdle. Danny Howard's mount stayed on well from the last after going clear early in the straight, allaying the fears of her trainer who suspected that the daughter of Hernando mightn't see out the trip.
