J.P. McManus’ three-time Cheltenham runner-up Its On The Line (10/11f) won a third consecutive Punchestown ‘Event Power’ Champion Hunters Chase today, scoring in his trademarked dour staying manner under jockey Derek O’Connor. Viroflay raced in a clear lead for most of today’s 3m160yds race and while the English runner maintained a huge lead over Its On The Line at the fourth-last, was - almost inevitably, caught by the enigmatic top hunter at the second-last, as the winner scored idling by 2.25 lengths.

Regarding Its On The Line - runner-up in the last three renewals of Cheltenham’s Open Hunters', winning trainer Emmet Mullins reported “he’s a great horse to bring here every year and to turn up at these big spring festivals with him is fair ammo to have: we owe him a lot.

“It was a truly run race and Derek said it burned off most going away from the stands and racing down the hill. It was worrying turning out of the back (straight) but by the time he got to the third-last, it was a matter of not getting there too soon. He hasn’t done much in front.

“It’s great he’s holding a bit back every time and we’ll just keep it for next year. Fingers crossed there is plenty left in him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson