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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
McCurtin doubles up on Romella
Romella, far side, sees off April's Moon
© Photo Healy Racing
Romella (10/1 - 15/2) brought up a 177.5/1 double for jockey Ambrose McCurtin in Clonmel.
This seven-year-old mare travelled well in his hands approaching the final quarter of a mile of the mares' handicap hurdle.
She had the pursuers off the bridle as she tackled the second last. April's Moon picked up the chase but a lovely jump at the last sealed victory for Romella as her rival flicked the top of it.
She forged on well to score by two lengths from the 7/1 (from 11s) runner-up. Molly Fantasy was 10 lengths further adrift in third at 50/1.
Trainer John Joe Walsh said: "We were waiting for a bit of nice ground with her and were lucky to get in (as first reserve).
"She has a low action and had done well on soft ground but just couldn't handle heavy ground. That's her job and she'll stay going as long as we can. She won handy enough."
McCurtin was also successful on Tommydan (20/1) in the opener.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes