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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Boats back in winning groove
Boats back in winning groove
Yellow silks Donagh O'Connor wins on Burn The Boats
© Photo Healy Racing
Burn The Boats was the subject of market support from early on for the Download The Free At The Races App Claiming Race at Dundalk and he ultimately justified his position as the 3/1 joint favourite.
Donagh O'Connor 's mount travelled well but he had to switch left to get a run from over a furlong out. The David Spratt-owned and Johnny Levins-trained winner then stayed on best to account for fellow market-leader Elusive In Paris by half a length.
"It's taken me a while to figure him out exactly," said Levins.
"He can be a bit soft at times and he's had issues with the stalls and things like that. It's taken us a while to iron them out but he's slowly gaining in confidence.
"I think seven is his trip on this surface and maybe a straight six with a bit of juice in the ground on turf.
"I'd imagine he'll win a couple more of these races and he should be competitive on turf as well. I feel he might be a little bit better with an ease in the ground over a straight six.
"I'm delighted to train a winner for the owner, he's a gentleman, and hopefully there will be plenty more to come."
Burn The Boats was claimed back by his owner. Oor Jock meanwhile was claimed by Pauline Twiss to be trainer by Albert Moriarty.
(GC & EM)