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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Dara Tango one for Martin and Keane
Dara Tango swoops on the outside
© Photo Healy Racing
Dara Tango justified 11/4 favouritism with a surging late in the mile and six handicap at Galway.
Colin Keane steered her into thrid over a furlong out and once he asked for more his mount picked up and hit the front deep inside the final furlong to win by half a length. Highland Fling came in second at 11/2 while Bottleofsmoke was a nose back in third at 12/1.
Gavin Crowell trained the second, third and fourth home (Plain Talking).
Colin Keane said: "He was struggling a little bit coming into the dip and I saw that they had started to kick. He was just lugging in a little bit because he wanted to come around them and we couldn't but the gaps opened for us on the inside and we got the run through.
"He was just lying on the two horses coming to the finish. He was doing it still with plenty in hand and just running around I think a little bit."
Trainer Tony Martin added: "He was broken down and off for three years but had a lovely run back at Leopardstown.
"It's great for the owners who are long-time patrons of mine. There are 55 of them over from America for a family reunion and I'm delighted that he's won after the way the week has went.
"They deserve that after losing Heartbreak City."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee