Search
Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
- irishracing.com
- Punchestown
- News
- Strongpoint makes winning return to fences
Strongpoint makes winning return to fences
Strongpoint and Andrew Lynch beat One Cool Shabra
© Photo Healy Racing
Strongpoint made a successful switch back to the larger obstacles when claiming the two-mile handicap chase at Naas.
Stuart Crawford 's charge was making his first start over fences since July 2013, having been campaigned over timber in the interim.
The 5/2 favourite jumped well for Andrew Lynch and a fine leap propelled him to the front five from home.
He soon disputed with long-time leader One Cool Shabra and battled on well in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-half length success over that rival.
"He jumped super and I think he has a good handicap in him. He jumped quick and you wouldn't think he's been jumping mainly over hurdles for the past few years," said Lynch afterwards.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)