Portrait King (grey on right) and Declan Queally land over the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
This year's renewal of the 161 year old Connolly's Red Mills Amateur National For The Conyngham Cup Handicap Chase at Punchestown today proved a dramatic affair with victory in the end going to Portrait King which matched at 999/1 in-running before staying on dourly for his win under Declan Queally.
The race, first run in 1854, saw Rogue Angel sent off into a clear lead for most of the journey but his early exertions eventually counted against him, tiring in the home straight and being caught by Portrait King inside the final furlong.
Portrait King, whose last win was in the 2012 renewal of the prestigious marathon Eider Chase at Newcastle, was a remote fifth entering the home straight but found bundles of reserves and in the end saw out the trip best of all, staying on for a five and a half lengths win over Rogue Angel.
Following the win, trainer Maurice Phelan stated "he's had a lot of problems and has done a tendon and two pelvises all on different occasions.
"He'll come back for the three and a half miles race here in about three weeks which he won previously. All he does is stay and gallop."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
