Need To Know and Benny Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Need To Know recorded his first win under rules when staying on strongly to land the Dooley Insurances Cross Country Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.
The nine-time point winner made a bad mistake before halfway when fourth to Enniskillen over the banks here on Tuesday but put the record straight over the same three-mile circuit.
The early exit of Ballyboker Bridge when unseating Andrew Lynch at Rubys Double for the first time appeared to leave the way clear for the Enda Bolger-trained quartet all owned by J P McManus.
However their sole remaining rival proved far too strong in the closing stages as the John Brennan-trained 8/1 chance stayed on really well to beat Love Rory by eight lengths.
The nine-year-old gelding was providing rider Benny Walsh, who also won this 12 months ago aboard Mtada Supreme, with a third winner over the banks at Punchestown. Blue Templar was trying to mount a challenge when slipping on the approach to the penultimate fence and unshipping Ray Barron, while Colour Squadron didn’t help his chance with a mistake two out.
Winning owner Colm Hearne said, “We thought he had a chance but to win it the way he did was brilliant. He’s won nine point-to-points and that’s his first win on the track but he’s been unlucky.
“He’s a big strong horse and is well able to run twice in the week. Benny got a good tune out of him. I have a few other younger horses but I usually don’t hold onto them, and sell them on.”
