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Punchestown 2024
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Alan Magee
The Greek returns to form after a winter break
The Greek and Denis O'Regan
© Photo Healy Racing
The Greek recorded a third career win when landing the Follow On Instagram @bluegrasshorsefeed Rated Novice Chase at Down Royal.
The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding, previously successful in a Leopardstown handicap hurdle and last autumn over fences at Perth, was returning after a four-month break and was prominent throughout.
Denis O’Regan’s mount led before halfway and despite drifting right on the run-in, the 3/1 chance was driven out to hold off Chameron by a length and a quarter. Carrig Sam the well-backed 6/4 favourite, could find no extra from before the last finishing another ten lengths back in third.
Elliott's assistant Ian Amond said, "Denis let him stride on and he got to do his own thing a bit, so he was able to do what he wanted in front. He stayed at it well and will probably come on for it as he hadn't run in a few months.
"His owners are all from up around here, I think most of them are in Cheltenham but they had a few stand-ins for today. It's a pity they are not here, but I am sure they got a good kick out of it over there.
"He'll be kept going now, he's had a break. He could end up in Fairyhouse or Punchestown or somewhere like that."
Quotes by Michael Graham