Sullane Chief soars over the last © Photo Healy Racing
The decisive move in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown came when seven-pound claimer Conor Walsh sent Sullane Chief on a sweeping run past the leaders on the home turn.
Once hitting the front, the 7/2 favourite (from 9/2 in the ring) travelled powerfully as he put daylight between himself and the pursuers. The winning margin was clocked at four lengths.
Gamble of the race Off The Charts 8/1 in the morning down to an SP of 4/1, made headway into third in the home straight but could make no impression on the winner and had to settle for second. There was a further half a length back to Tudor Fashion (16/1) who completed the placings.
Trainer Pat O’Connor said: “He was third first-time out in Gowran last year, but he lost his form after that. He was treated for ulcers this year and that seems to have turned him inside out. Hopefully he keeps improving and I think there could be a good handicap in him.”
Jockey Conor Walsh reported: “He travelled well and jumped ok, he jumped better in Cork but he jumped the last well. Pat had him tuned up. I’m based with Paul Nolan for a year and a half now and that’s my fifth winner.”
The in-form winner was following up on his success in Cork early last month which saw him hit with a 15lb hike in the weights for scoring by 12 lengths.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
