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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- 1,2 for Flannery as Wait beats Glance by a head
1,2 for Flannery as Wait beats Glance by a head
The final flat race of the evening at Roscommon, the Hillstreet Quarries Jog For Jockeys, Flat versus National Hunt Jockeys Challenge Handicap, went to the 20/1 shot, Long Wait for trainer Michael Flannery with Joseph O'Brien aboard.
The winning 5yo was having his eleventh start for Flannery, having won a race with both Paul Deegan and Gordon Elliott in the past.
The son of Viking Ruler raced towards the back of the field early on, before making headway when ridden in the early straight. He kept on well under pressure, despite edging left, to get on top close home, just beating his stablemate Second Glance (4/1jf) by a head.
The other 4/1 joint favourite Sparring Partner finished a further two lengths back in third for Eddie Lynam.
Winning trainer Michael Flannery who trains in Ballinrobe said afterwards: "That's some result, I couldn't believe it.
"He is a bit of a pup but I always knew he had the ability. This was his last chance today and it just shows you the way things go.
"Joseph gave him a great ride, he kept at him even when he looked beat.
"I thought Roscommon would suit him as they race towards the gate home (the gate into the parade ring) and I thought he would like that.
"It's a great achievement for me as I only have eight horses.
"Second Glance is a very honest mare and she deserves to win."
With Joseph O’Brien, Fran Berry and Seamie Heffernan occupying the first three positions, the Flat jockeys emerged victorious over their National Hunt counterparts in the Challenge.
5/1 shot One For Joules was later found to be coughing post race.
Donal Murphy