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Punchestown 2024
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- Lyons doubles up in dramatic apprentice race
Gary Carson
Lyons doubles up in dramatic apprentice race
Pepperoni Pete and John Shinnick in company with the loose Geological
© Photo Healy Racing
Ger Lyons rattled off a quick double at Cork as Pepperoni Pete prevailed in a dramatic finish to the Barry Group Apprentice Handicap. Geological made the running in the mile contest but his jockey Stephen Mooney was struggling with a slipping saddle in the straight.
John Shinnick produced Pepperoni Pete to lead just inside the final furlong and Mooney couldn't hold on any longer, crashing to the ground 100 yards out.
Pepperoni Pete went on to record a length-and-a-quarter success over Eastern Racer
Shane Lyons said afterwards:- "The plaudits go to Johnny as he took a little pull out the back as he knew there was something wrong with the horse in front (Geological).
"He thought he (Geological) was going a bit fast racing down the back straight and then he saw something wrong with his tack and he took a pull.
"It was a very intelligent ride by the young lad and the more rides he's getting the more relaxed he's getting.
"He appreciated the better ground and he'll get an extra couple of furlongs no problem."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)