Ireland's longest race, the 4m2f Mongey Communications La Touche at Punchestown, was today won for the second time by 15 year old Ballyboker Bridge who was immediately retired by trainer Peter Maher.

Run over 36 fences, the race lost two runners, morning favourite Shady Operator and outsider Super Citizen, an hour beforehand as both encountered traffic problems en route to the track.

Ballyboker Bridge, under jockey Tiernan Power Roche, led for the first three miles and while joined by Call It Magic that rival later landed awkwardly at the fourth-last and Keith Donoghue's leather broke which caused his unseating.

From there, the teenager held a clear advantage and held on grimly to defeat last year's winner, and spritely 12 year old, Singing Banjo by two and a half lengths.

Following the race trainer Maher stated “we're going to retire him now, that's the end for him.

“Hopefully I get another one that's as good as him. He's not the best horse, he's not a Big Shu but wears his heart on his sleeve. He's been a horse of a lifetime, a great horse, he's a bit cracked but he's not bad in his own way.

“When Enda's horse (Bolger, Shady Operator) came out it was a penalty kick. Singing Banjo is great but he's loaded up with the weight and Vital Island was probably a bit tired from Tuesday - he had a great chance.”

Maher added “Benny (Walsh) was going to ride him, he's my banks jockey and all he wants to do is ride a La Touche winner. When he rides it he's going to retire but now he's not able to retire!

“He'll have to stay on my banks horses next year so it all worked out well in every direction!

“I took 7lb off him with Tiernan, he's the new hot kid on the block.”

Jockey Power Roche, who works with handler Harley Dunne in Wexford, was riding his fourth racecourse winner to add to 30 point-to-points.

Quotes from Gary Carson