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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Harry's Hill takes nursery for Hassett and Whelan
Mark Nunan
Harry's Hill takes nursery for Hassett and Whelan
Harry's Hill and Ronan Whelan (right) outpace eventual third Abogados (cheekpieces)
© Photo Healy Racing
Handicap debutant Harry’s Hill (11/1) was a two length winner of the Slane Nursery under Ronan Whelan.
The gelded son of Heeraat showed speed all the way, led a furlong and a half out and ran on well to beat Ablah (13/2), with Abogados (5/2) in third.
The 15/8 favourite Viv Vance was never able to land a blow after a tardy start and finished fourth.
Winning trainer Martin Hassett, based in Killenaule, Co.Tipperary, said: “I thought his run here on his last visit was a serious run.
“Ronan was a small bit disappointed with him last time (at Tipperary) and said the ground was just too fast for him.
“He was bought in lockdown by two electricians and a publican, he was to go for the breeze-ups, so a red carpet should be out for them when things open! They were coming today and had it all signed up before things changed.
“The first day he ran with the choke out but the second day I thought it was a brilliant run (finished eighth of twelve behind Tar Heel). It was nearer six then and he just didn't get home. Ronan said he will get six.
“We'll see what the handicapper does now.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson