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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Grainne's Dream gives Smullen a double
Grainne's Dream, red, pips My Painter in Killarney
© Photo Healy Racing
Grainne's Dream got up by the minimum margin to deprive My Painter in a thrilling finish to the Ross Golf Course Handicap.
The pair had the race between them inside the final furlong but it was Grainne's Dream and Pat Smullen who got the verdict by a nose from My Painter and Seamie Heffernan.
The winner was having her first start for Willie Mullins and had been off track since December. In addition, she defied top weight of 10 stone and was returned at 5/1.
The runner-up was priced at 13/2 while 3/1 favourite Fairy Flute occupied third after staying on late.
This gave Smullen a double on the card as he took the preceding race on board Secret Wizard
Willie Mullins was represented by Ruby Walsh who said: "We were guessing really as we didn't know what we had whether we had a six furlong horse or a mile and a quarter horse, we didn't know.
"She was tough with the weight on her back and I wasn't sure she was up but we'll take it.
"She has been in Willie's a while now and while she doesn't look like a jumper, the way she battled back there, she might jump. Willie is delighted - I've no idea where she'll go next but I'm sure he'll make a good plan!"
This race was due off at 6.50pm but was delayed until 8.04pm as an air ambulance was called to transfer Ana O'Brien to hospital after a fall from Druids Cross in the 6.20pm race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes