Pete prevails in dramatic opener There was plenty of drama as the curtain was raised on the 2011 Punchestown festival in the Ladies Cup over the cross-country course. Outlaw Pete eventually landed the spoils in the three-mile contest, recovering well after being badly hampered by a faller nine from the finish. The race complexion changed for the first time when long-time leader Let The Show Begin took the wrong course going to the fifth last. Wedger Pardy was left in front but it looked like developing into a duel between Theroadtocroker and Not To Pushed in the closing stages. That pair failed to negotiate a tight bend before the second last, however, and Wedger Pardy once again found himself in front. He couldn't hold the late surge of Outlaw Pete though as JT McNamara worked his way into contention at the second last and hit the front before the final fence. He kept on strongly on the run to the line to record a 13-length success and give Enda Bolger and JP McManus yet another cross-country success. "JT is a wily old fox and let everything happen in front of him," said Bolger He had also saddled the favourite Zest For Life, who had crashed out at the big bank out in the country:- "Zest For Life is okay and could run in the La Touche. This fellow is unlikely to run again this week. "It was a funny old race but it's good to have two to do the job." Ciaran Murphy, rider of Let The Show Begin, was given a seven-day ban after his error of judgement.
