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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Expensive Classic Getaway shows off his engine
Classic Getaway has them beaten off
© Photo Healy Racing
All eyes were on 570,000 guineas purchase Classic Getaway in the bumper at Tipperary and the 4/9 favourite didn't disappoint.
He stalked the leader Battle Frontier before sweeping past him in the final quarter of a mile.
The race was soon put to bed as he drew clear by the final furlong and strode home by 15 lengths. Bolintlea put in good late work to get up for a remote second at a friendless 40/1. She was two and three quarter lengths in front of Battle Frontier (8/1 from as big as 100/1 in the morning).
Jockey Patrick Mullins said: "He is a beautiful-looking horse and I think he was a little bit more expensive than a Rolls-Royce Phantom! But I'm pretty sure Mrs Thomson will get more fun out of him than a Rolls Royce.
"He's a big baby and that's why I was keen to teach him and get him to stride out. He is a big baby at home for a five-year-old who had a point to point run and he's not a bumper horse.
"I imagine he'll go jumping later in the season - he wouldn't have run only the ground was so wet and we said we'd get a run into him.
"Willie didn't rush him and let him settle in - he didn't have to run this season but it just happened with the weather. I think he'll continue to improve mentally."
Classic Getaway won his point-to-point for Donnchadh Doyle at Borris House in November before making a whopping 570,000 guineas at the Sales. He now runs in the Cheveley Park Stud colours.
The Stewards interviewed Mr S.J.P. Baragry, rider of runner-up Bolintlea, concerning his use of the whip in latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he had used his whip excessively and with force having accepted the I.H.R.B. Veterinary officer's report. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. S.J.P. Baragry was in breach of both Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and Regulation 10.3(f)(force) and having considered his record, they suspended him for two racedays.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes