Lighthouse Warrier winning in style© Photo Healy Racing
The Jonathan Sweeney-trained Lighthouse Warrier powered away in the closing stages to run out a very impressive winner of the concluding bumper at Punchestown. Sparky Stowaway and On Raglan Road battled for the lead in the two-miler and were joined by Lighthouse Warrier four furlongs from home.
Derek O'Connor sent the 13/8 favourite on turning for home and he was clear with a furlong to run, staying on strongly for a cosy nine length success.
The Milan gelding had won a point-to-point just over a year ago and was second on his 'track' debut when chasing home Simone at the track a fortnight ago.
"He's nearly 17.1 hands high but he can gallop. It was great that he travelled on that ground, and Derek was very happy with him,” said Sweeney.
"He's had some small niggly problems but a horse like that is worth waiting for. I wouldn't like to run him on too quick a ground but he handled that well.
"I brought him to the sales last year but thought I was not getting enough for him."
The race was delayed by four minutes with both Barneymac and Rock River Valley unshipping their riders on the way at the start.
Both were caught with Barneymac eventually taking part (finished last) but Rock River Valley was withdrawn after getting rid of Stephen Connor for a second time.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
