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Punchestown 2024
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Donal Murphy
Outsider Arnaud takes the feature at Wexford
Arnaud, in second, hunts down The Game Changer
© Photo Healy Racing
The Game Changer lost his unbeaten record over fences as he was beaten into second by 8/1 outsider Arnaud in the three-runner Stena Line Horizon Chase.
The Charles Byrnes trained victor was settled in last early on but took closer order in second with just under a circuit to race.
He was ridden to challenge entering the straight and he kept on best to lead on the run-in, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths.
The Game Changer, who was sent off the 8/13 favourite, attempted to make all under Bryan Cooper. He looked set for victory turning into the straight but made errors at the last two and had to settle for second.
Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "It was a bit of surprise but jumping is the name of the game and he did do that.
"On ratings he had a chance but I didn't think he'd be good enough to beat the second horse. He was probably fortunate but they are there to be jumped.
"He will be kept going for the summer and two miles is as far as he will go.
"He could go back over hurdles, he is probably better handicapped over hurdles than fences.
"There isn't too many two mile conditions chases for him but we will see. It is great to win today, most people had him written off."