Review punchestown 11th Feb Folsom Blue registered his second success in the BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown.The 11-year-old won this prize way back in 2014 but has been in good form over hurdles since leaving Mouse Morris to join Gordon Elliott.He took the last in front but a slow leap allowed Isleofhopendreams to seize the initiative, only for 5-1 favourite Folsom Blue to battle back in the hands of Jack Kennedy, and he struck by a length and a half.His stablemate Hardline showed his appreciation for having his sights lowered by securing Listed honours in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.Third in Grade Ones at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown, the 5-2 joint-favourite went for home when Riders Onthe Storm and Another Barney fluffed two out, and he ran right the way to the line to dispose of the former by two and a quarter lengths.Elliott completed a treble when 4-7 favourite Getaway John took the Star Medical Supporting Kilmacud Crokes Hurling (Pro/Am) Flat Race.Auvergnat pipped Josies Orders by a short head as they treated racegoers to a thrilling finish in the P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase.The 7-2 chance took it up at the last but Josies Orders rallied gamely and Auvergnat fell in to repeat his victory of last year. Blue Templar was third to complete a clean sweep for Enda Bolger and JP McManus.Bolger and McManus followed up when Gilgamboa dug deep to inflict a first defeat under Rules on Burning Ambition in the www.punchestown.com Hunters Chase.Burning Ambition hit the front approaching the final fence, but 8-13 favourite Gilgamboa got his second wind under Nina Carberry and got back up to triumph by two and three-quarter lengths.High Sparrow struck in a Limerick bumper over Christmas and followed up on his jumping bow, beating Caltex by a length and a half in the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden Hurdle as the 13-8 favourite.Wood Emery (13-2) overcame a lengthy absence to take the Entire Cheltenham Festival On Racing UK Handicap Hurdle.
