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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Review dundalk 17th Apr
Review dundalk 17th Apr
Paul Deegan was on the mark in the Cuchulainn Crystal Handicap at Dundalk - although it was Shes Diman at 16-1 the lesser-fancied of his two runners, who claimed top honours.
Deegan admitted: "That was a a surprise! Shes Diman was on her last chance coming here tonight as she had run so badly in the past, and here last week.
"Wearing first-time blinkers seemed to have work the trick and we'll aim her at something similar again next. Kieren (O'Neill) gave her an excellent ride and is excellent value for his claim."
Lady Luck was disqualified from third and demoted to fifth with Deegan's 4-1 favourite Native Dame promoted to a dead-heat for third together with Moving Statue
Ger Lyons and Johnny Murtagh /a> rarely leave here without a winner and they teamed up again as 7-4 favourite Royal Entourage benefited from his rider at his strongest in getting the nod by a short head from Daytime Dancer in the Generali Ireland Handicap.
Lyons said: "Royal Entourage threw away his chance at the start the last day and while I was worried about the trip today, he stayed well and it looks like we can now race him on the turf."
Murtagh was on the 4-9 favourite Pirate Ship in the following Brubaker's Bar (C & G) Race but had to give best to all-the-way winner Signal Fire who obliged for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen at 11-4.
Smullen said: "We thought he was a fair horse when he won here two runs back and this confirms what we previously thought of him. It was windy and wet when he ran badly here a fortnight ago, over a trip which was too far from him."
Murtagh was not to be denied another win, however, as the Charles O'Brien-trained Glowing (4-9 favourite) got the job done in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Race.
Cathy O'Leary's Otterstown Lady (4-1 joint-favourite) followed up a recent course success under a cool ride from Shane Foley in the 12-furlong Alva Glen Handicap.
O'Leary said: "Otterstown Lady is an exceptional mare and although she has plenty of toe, is better over further. She could win a
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