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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Review down royal 5th Nov
Review down royal 5th Nov
Trainer Jessica Harrington landed a terrific near 420-1 treble at Down Royal, highlighted by the victory of Gimli's Rock in the feature WKD Core Hurdle at Down Royal.
Gimli's Rock's stablemate Summit Meeting was a shorter price in the betting but it was the 10-1 shot who ran out an emphatic winner of the Group Two contest.
Hot favourite Luska Lad led five out, but Gimli's Rock was going ominously well for Tom Treacy. Going on at the second-last flight, the combination drew away to score by four lengths from Der Spieler.
"Gimli's Rock will have a break now and may then go for the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran next in the New Year," said Harrington.
"He has improved so much recently."
Harrington made it two when Saville Row (16-1) showed plenty of style to make a winning debut in the hands of Robbie Power in the Allianz Maiden Hurdle.
"We originally thought he would never come on but he started to improve a lot recently," said Harrington.
"I told Robbie to try to be in the first five today and it was great to win. Whatever happens over hurdles, he will make a lovely chaser next season."
Power was also aboard Bostons Angel as the 5-4 favourite completed the Harrington hat-trick with an easy one-length win in the Porter & Co Beginners Chase.
"He was entitled to do that on his form and he has improved so much since his last run at Punchestown. He'll run in the Drinmore Chase next," added the trainer.
Paddy Neville's Macville could be Cheltenham-bound in March after landing a smooth triumph in the Grade Three EBF Lough Construction Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle.
The 8-1 shot, ridden by Paul Townend, pulled clear to score by eight lengths from Oilily and odds-on favourite Araucaria
"We weren't concerned about the trip and she goes on any ground," said County Limerick-based Neville.
"We will have to strongly consider going to Cheltenham in March with her and while Leopardstown over Christmas is also an option, we may give her a break now."