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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Review punchestown 18th Feb
Review punchestown 18th Feb
Rock On The Moor leads Analifet
© Photo Healy Racing
< Little King Robin finished a disappointing fifth as Rock On The Moor (6-1) scored in the punchestown.com Mares Hurdle.
Colin Bowe's inmate was sent off 7-4 favourite on the back of her third in the Hatton's Grace and adopted her usual front running role, but was caught before turning into the straight and soon faded.
The Jessica Harrington-trained winner was quick to pounce and repelled the challenge of Analifet to pick up the afternoon's richest prize by three and three-quarter lengths.
Thomas Mullins kicked off the afternoon with a double for owner JP McManus, with Some Article springing a 20-1 surprise in the opening Festival Party Pack From 21 Maiden Hurdle.
Niall Madden's mount looked in trouble when headed by 6-4 favourite Investmentsuccess at the last, but the winner showed a good attitude to battle back on the run-in and crossed the line a length and three-quarters to the good.
His stablemate Oscar Knight s success in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle was less of a shock as he justified 6-5 favouritism under a nice ride from Mark Walsh.
The jockey's decision to steal a march on his rivals before two out proved a decisive move as he only held the fast-finishing Undressed by half a length at the line.< Bold Optimist prevailed by a head in a thrilling three-way finish in the Festival Free Upgrade Offer Ends Today Handicap Hurdle.
The winner was joined by Mr Eko off the home turn and Ray Hackett's nine-year-old just pulled out that bit more as they did battle up the home straight, with 4-1 favourite Bog War staying on strongly in third.
Ruby Walsh got on the scoresheet as Queens Wild (7-4fav) put four and three-quarter lengths between himself and Why Not Thistle in the Festival Any Day Flexi Ticket Mares Maiden Hurdle.< Kentucky Star (16-1) stayed on to land the Festival Hospitality From 99 Handicap Hurdle by four and three-quarter lengths from long-time leader Sammanntom, who may have hung on had he not conceded so much ground at the start.
The Noel Meade-trained Disko (7-4) looked a