Rawnaq, left, faces a challenge from Benhego at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Rawnaq landed some nice bets on course from 12/1 to 7/1 when responding well to Kevin Smith’s urgings from the front in the competitive two mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown.
50/1 shot Benhego loomed large upsides Rawnaq at the last hurdle but the latter got away quicker upon landing and passed the post first by a length and three quarters.
This was 22-year-old Smith’s first winner as a jockey on his second ride. His brother Matthew Smith trains Rawnaq and he said: “It’s a family operation. I’m delighted for the horse as he’s very genuine.
“He’s been a bit unlucky and he was unlucky the last day when he made a mistake at the last two.
“I’m delighted for my brother Kevin. He gave it a great ride. That’s only his second ride. He rode this horse in the conditionals race at the festival here.
“We took a bit of a chance putting him up, but he’s a good little rider.
“We don’t know where we’ll go next. He handles heavy ground but is better on faster ground.”
Giant’s Quest (14/1) and Takeyourcapoff (11/1) rounded out the placings in third and fourth. Norah Starr quickly turned out from winning at Ballinrobe two days ago, couldn’t repeat the dose under the mandatory 6lb penalty and had to settle for sixth. She was the 2/1 favourite.
The winner paid 11/1 on the Tote.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
