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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
J J Jumbo benefits from sun on his back
J J Jumbo hits the line in front
© Photo Healy Racing
J J Jumbo showed the benefit of three runs at Meydan in January and February when battling to a neck success at Dundalk.
The 11/1 shot contested race three on the card, the seven furlong handicap and Robert Whearty took 7lb off his back.
The pair made progress in second a quarter of a mile out and stayed on to hit the front in the final 75 yards. They kept on well to see off 15/8 favourite, Torn by a neck. Pilbara Gold (18/1) was half a length further back in third.
Trainer Darren Bunyan said: "He's a horse that works like a trojan at home. He's very similar to a horse I had before called Grey Danube that won eight up here (Dundalk).
"He had a very good run here before I sent him out to Dubai. He was placed in his third run out there in Dubai on the dirt which is unusual for a European horse. He was beaten a head by the Guineas Trial winner out there.
"There were a couple of reasons for going to Dubai. I was adamant that he would handle the dirt. He was a little bit weak on us last year and he thrived in the climate out there. He's double the horse he was going out there. I believed he would be competitive out there which he was. They learn a lot in those Meydan handicaps, he came home a man. The dirt racing can be tough and we gave him a break.
"This is Sultan Saeed Mohammid Harib Alfalahi's first winner in Ireland. He's a brilliant owner and so enthusiastic. Delighted to get his first winner in Ireland. It was great for him to have his horse running out there (in Dubai).
"We'll stick to the Polytrack with him and he'll go back to Dubai for the winter."