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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Lee deservedly gets the plaudits after winning on Jon
Jon Ess and Billy Lee prevail from Togoville and Conor McGovern
© Photo Healy Racing
We had a fourth winning favourite on the night at Dundalk as Jon Ess (3/1, from 4s and bigger earlier) came home in front in the penultimate race, the Parkview Provisions Handicap.
Billy Lee took on Togoville at just the right time in this seven furlong heat, and at the line Conor O'Dwyer's charge was half a length up.
It was the same margin then to Rivellino in third.
"I'm thrilled. He's been ultra consistent up here and loves it," said O'Dwyer.
"I just thought maybe, on his first run back after a break, and over seven, that it was maybe a little on the short side for him.
"Billy gave him an unbelievable ride and timed the whole thing to perfection. I'm absolutely delighted.
"He probably struggled a little last year as a three-year-old against the older horses. They all seem to do that.
"We gave him a break and that fourth year makes a difference so we should have a good summer ahead with him.
"In fairness to the handicapper he dropped him 6lb at the end of the season which gave him a good chance too.
"Fingers crossed we'll get a few more out of him."
(GC & EM)