Punchestown (IRE) Races

Close up and soon disputed lead - led after 3rd until joined before 7th - led narrowly 9th - not fluent next - ridden and joined after 2 out - under pressure on terms when left clear at last - kept on well run-in(op 10/1)

Mid-division - took closer order in 4th after 10th - ridden after 2 out and under pressure in 3rd before last where left 2nd and slightly hampered - kept on same pace run-in - not trouble winner(op 9/2)

Waited with in rear - last at halfway - progress going well after 4 out - not fluent 3 out and next - soon pushed along in 8th and progress before last where left 4th - ran on - nearest finish (stewards inquired into running and riding; jockey stated that his mount had taken a heavy fall last time and he was instructed today to ride him towards the rear of the field - get him jumping - get his confidence back - creep away into the race and get him home; he added his mount did not travel well early on but his jumping kept him with the field; he explained that he was squeezing his mount turning out of the back straight - he made mistakes at the 3rd last and 2nd last hurdles and without resorting to the whip he felt that his mount stayed on well past tired horses and was gifted third place by the fall of Choungaya; in his opinion he rode as strong as possible using hands and heels; trainer confirmed instructions and stated that his charge stood in its stable for six to eight weeks after his fall last time to allow for an injury at the back of his knee to heal; he added that he ran his charge over hurdles to regain his confidence but going forwards he held entries in both hurdles and chases; in his opinion his charge handles all ground descriptions except the extremes and would need to race over a trip; he expressed his satisfaction with the ride and the manner in which his charge had jumped; the stewards also received a report from the vet who stated that gelding was coughing post race; samples were taken for analysis; the stewards noted the explanations)(op 9/1 tchd 8/1)