The feature race of the day the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase saw Paul Nolan’s 9/4 favourite Joncol run out a five and a half length win under Alain ‘Squeaky’ Cawley.
Cawley who was prominent for most took up the lead after four out and kept on well to hold off the challenge of In Compliance under Paddy Flood.
It was an eventful race with Barker unshipping Ruby Walsh six from home and then a weakening Aran Concerto crashed out at the second last.
A delighted Nolan said afterwards: “It was probably the first time we were 100% happy with him today.”
“He’s on a different programme this year and different diet and it seems to have turned him inside out.”
“He’s a big horse and we were waiting for him to tell us when he’s ready. He might not have been able for the training last year.”
“He’s still only six and if he’s ok after today we’ll aim for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.”
“His owners have been very patient as he’s had a very stop start career with ulcers but we hope that’s all sorted now.”
“You’d have to think he could be a Gold Cup horse after that. I just hope he’s not a mud lark horse but I don’t think he is.”
Ladbrokes have quoted Joncol at 3/1 for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown with William Hill making the Bob’s Return gelding the 11/4 favourite for the contest.
