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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- 2 on the polytrack for Whelan
2 on the polytrack for Whelan
Ronan Whelan (stripped cap) on Melanna (noseband) leads them home in the finale
© Photo Healy Racing
Ronan Whelan completed a Dundalk double as Melanna (5/4 favourite from 7/4 and bigger earlier) landed the concluding Big Bad Bob Maiden.
Whelan was on Melanna for James Barrett, whilst his earlier winner Danz Gift was for Sheila Lavery.
After Melanna had proved much too strong for Eagle Valley and the rest in the final furlong, gaining the day by two and three parts of a length, Barrett said: "Without being cocky, we expected that.
"Chris (Hayes) rode her the last night and felt she was well capable of a Listed race.
"We'll probably put her away now and look at something early next year. She's a very nice filly.
"We'll play to her handicap mark and work from there."
Big morning market mover Lady Fandango had to settle for fourth place.
(GC & EM)