Londonofficecallin just prevails in Punchestown thriller Londonofficecallin won for the third time since joining trainer Gavin Cromwell when just holding on to land the Madison Flooring Supporting Kilmacud Crokes Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. A five-time scorer for Eric McNamara, the gelding has continued to improve since switching to the Gold Cup winning trainer towards the end of last year. Successful at this venue in January, the eight-year-old ran a big race on his next start at the festival in April, before finishing third at Ballinrobe last month. Always to the fore here under Kieren Buckley, the 9/2 chance led after two out, travelling easily entering the straight. A slow jump at the last allowed his nearest pursuer Stay Gold bridge the gap. Settling down to battle it out on the run-in, the pair flashed by the post in unison. It took the judge to split the two, with Londonofficecallin getting the verdict by a nose. The result stood following a stewards enquiry.
