Punchestown Report (Saturday)
John Bowles saddled his first double in Ireland when sending out a 209/1 brace with Rahanine Native and Drewstown Lady at a low-key Punchestown on Saturday.
The Westmeath handler took the Carnalway Handicap Hurdle when Rahanine Native led between the final two flights under Shane Ryder, and just held the persistent challenge of It's Sharing by a short-head.
Bowles, who had 'a double in Britain along time ago', followed up in the following Kilcullen EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle when the Garrett Cotter-ridden Drewstown Lady made steady headway to lead before the last for a length success over Royal Jake.
'The stable is flying at the moment but I want to give all the credit to my staff. I have 28 horses being ridden out at present with only four full-time staff. It is very difficult to get staff as they can earn much more on the buildings,' said Bowles.
'He likes the hard ground,' said trainer Michael Cunningham after Royal Barathea edged out McCracken in an exciting finish to the opening Blessington Maiden Hurdle. 'He will mix it between hurdles and Flat over the summer, and the Galway Hurdle could be a possible target,' added the Meath handler, who will aim Valley Erne - third in the David Austin Memorial Handicap Chase here on Friday - at the Galway Plate.
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