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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Hughes looking to go Off The Charts
Hughes looking to go Off The Charts
Off The Charts, near side
© Photo Healy Racing
Off The Charts gets the chance to continue his progression when he represents Dessie Hughes and JP McManus in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Galway.
Only a five-year-old, he has already had plenty of racing and registered a win at the Punchestown Festival, where he held off the British raider Bob Keown to cause a 20-1 surprise on his last start.
Hughes chose to use a first-time visor on the son of Beneficial that day but it has been left off this time.
Despite his big price last time out, it was his third win from his last four races.
McManus also has the John Kiely-trained The Parishioner in the line-up, a winner at Bellewstown last time he ran. He is ridden by Johnny Burke, who is rapidly making a name for himself.
Hughes will have one eye on his former inmate Action Master now with James Lambe. He runs in the colours of Douglas Pryde, part-owner of Grand National winner Auroras Encore.
Action Master won a handicap at Cheltenham's Open meeting in 2012 but he has failed to get his head in front since. He has had two runs on the level since joining Lambe and reverts to obstacles.
Grand National-winning trainer Martin Brassil has the top weight, Celestial Prospect, ridden by Barry Geraghty. The eight-year-old has won four of his last six and still appears to be progressing.
Noel Meade is still on a high after winning the Plate with Road To Riches and is represented by Protaras, Benemede and Tulsa Jack
Willie Mullins runs Gigginstown's Security Breach while Gordon Elliott is represented by Cape Glory in the same colours, and Clara Mc Cloud