Punchestown (IRE) Races

Soon tracked leader in 2nd - led 5th and soon clear - jumped well to extend advantage 3 out - ridden approaching last where awkward - advantage reduced close home - all out(op 12/1)

Held up behind leaders - closer 3 out in 3rd - ridden to chase clear leader in 2nd home turn - 3 lengths down when mistake last - kept on strongly closing stages - just held(tchd 18/1)

In rear of midfield - pushed along and headway from 2 out - went 4th approaching last - kept on strongly run-in into 3rd - nearest finish (stewards inquired into running and riding; jockey said his instructions were to jump off in mid-division - get hismount to settle and to do the best he could; he said his mount jumped well but hung right throughout whichprogressively got worse as the race unfolded which he reported at scales; he added his mount met with interference turning in before staying onat one pace in the closing stages after the horses in front of him appeared to slow dramatically near the line; trainer's rep confirmed instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with ride; he stated that gelding was a quirky individual that had lost its way of late but had shown plenty of ability in the past; he further added that rider was unfamiliar with gelding and felt he could possibly have won had he known the animals characteristics; vet said gelding was post race normal; stewards noted explanations)(tchd 40/1)