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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Wing swoops as Taffy flops
Wing swoops as Taffy flops
South Wing swooped turning for home to claim the Mulranny Park Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
Nina Carberry drove her mount to the front on the bend and he scooted clear before the last.
Gordon Elliott 's charge galloped on strongly to post a five-and-a-half length victory over Second Glance
"He's been knocking on the door," said Elliott afterwards.
"Maybe the favourite didn't run to form but we had to take our chance coming here. He'll probably got to Perth next week for a handicap hurdle."
8/11 favourite Uncle Taffy proved a disappointment back in fourth.
Derek O'Connor 's mount seemed to be travelling well after the second last but didn't pick up rounding the home bend as he was nursed home.
Trainer Tony Martin, on leaving the stewards room, felt the run may have come too quickly:-
"He was pulling out quickly after Sunday and maybe it was just a bit too quick. Ruby Walsh made him look like he had more in hand than he did then.
"He looked like he was going to win but just stepped into the second last."
O'Connor was severely cautioned by the Stewards to be seen to be making more effort in future while Uncle Taffy was reported to be blowing hard post race.
The rider said afterwards:- "He travelled very keenly with me and emptied quickly after the second last.
"He wouldn't have finished any closer. He got very tired and finished distressed. He only ran on Sunday."