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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Review curragh 9th Aug
Review curragh 9th Aug
Air Force Blue beats Washington DC (left) and Buratino (right)
© Photo Healy Racing
< Air Force Blue gained revenge on Buratino to continue Aidan O'Brien's stranglehold on the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.
Having chased home Buratino in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, Air Force Blue turned the tables in emphatic fashion as he showed a sparkling turn of foot to swoop around the outside under Joseph O'Brien and land the Group One prize by two lengths.
Buratino was touched off for second by Washington Dc, giving the Ballydoyle handler a one-two as he took the race for the eighth time in the last 11 years.
O'Brien could have another star on his hands in the shape of How High The Moon who earlier made an impressive winning debut earlier in the Loder European Breeders Fund Fillies Race.
The well-related juvenile holds a host of Group One entries and picked up in eye-catching fashion once the penny dropped to pass virtually the whole field down the outside .
The daughter of Fastnet Rock came home a length and three-quarters clear of Midnight Crossing to score at odds of 7-2.
English raider Mattmu prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes.
Mick Halford's Toscanini attempted to make all in the Group Three event and only had Tim Easterby's consistent four-year-old to worry about entering the final furlong.
The 3-1 chance dug deep for David Allan and was awarded a short-head verdict after they crossed the line together.< Restive (4-1) was a taking winner of the opening Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital European Breeders Fund Maiden.
Quickly out in front under Colin Keane, Ger Lyons' runner never really looked like getting caught and held the challenge of Stellar Mass by a length, with debutant Mutadaffeq catching the eye staying on for third.< Captain Cullen (5-1jt-fav) was a convincing winner of the Gabriel Curren Memorial Handicap as the Joseph Murray-trained gelding beat Tom Dooley by a length under a confident ride by 7lb claimer Ian Queally.
A blanket finish in the Tipperary Crystal Handicap saw Katimavik (8-1) get up by a short head from Cullentry Ro