Freewheelin Dylan is spring-heeled for Ricky Doyle at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Freewheelin Dylan (7/1) made all in the Ryans Cleaning Handicap Chase and battled bravely in the home straight under Ricky Doyle to hold the persistent challenge of Punches Cross (6/1) by half a length.
Minella Times (20/1) was another eleven lengths back in third.
As in the preceding novice chase, the fences in the back straight were omitted due to the low-lying sun.
There was a nasty incident turning out of the back straight where Roxboro Road chasing the leaders at the time, slipped up and both Gwencily Berbas (9/2 fav) and Fruits Of Glory were brought down.
On a day when JP McManus enjoyed doubles at Cheltenham, Cork and here at Punchestown, Punches Cross looked like he might follow up his recent win at Wexford, but Ricky Doyle’s mount was not to be denied.
It was a 12th winner of the campaign for the 3lbs claimer, and it was a third win in handicap company for the progressive seven-year-old by the Sadler’s Wells horse Curtain Time.
The recruit from the point-to-point/hunter chase sphere had previously won twice around Kilbeggan.
“I was a bit concerned about the ground, said winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin, and dropping back in trip but that’s why we made more use of him. The three fences omitted didn’t help either but he put in a gutsy performance.
“He wants better ground so it’s all a bonus. All his wins before were on good ground, and next spring he should get into the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. That’s where we are now ratings wise.
“We were only 50-50 about running today and he won’t go on real winter ground. We’ll see what the weather does and what the handicapper does.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
