Magna Cartor and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
"I thought the handicapper hadn't been too hard on him as he's only 109 in England," acknowledged trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon after Magna Cartor (16/1) owned by his partner, Rachel O'Neill, landed the Go Racing In Kildare Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown under Rachael Blackmore.
Magna Cartor led before the last and he was ridden clear in the closing stages to see off Kiera Royale by two lengths.
Prominent racing favourite Old Castletown dropped out two out before coming home well for fifth place.
"I bought him in Doncaster for just 6,000 pounds and put him up to ten different men but no-one wanted to take him. I think he's a right little horse," further explained Hanlon.
"Daniel Loughnane had him in England and told me to buy him as he'd win plenty of races. He said he runs a bit on his nerves.
"He's a Flat yard though and I'm National Hunt and he's after settling.
"I don't know where we go now. That might be job done for the year as he wants good ground."
The Stewards fined Adrian McGuinness, trainer, €65 for failing to fit a tongue tie to I C Gold prior to entering the parade ring.
P. Townend, rider of The Jazz Singer (GB) trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found today's minimum distance of two miles to be too sharp and needs further.
P.E. Corbett, rider of Kiera Royale, trained by David Harry Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount accidentally clipped a heel early in the straight on the first circuit of this race.
(GC & EM)
