Baron Noir powered through in the final furlong to run out an impressive winner of the concluding JP & M Doyle INH Flat Race at Punchestown.

The Alan King-trained gelding raced mid-division in the two-miler and Rob James had to weave his way through runners in the straight. El Cairos hit the front a furlong-and-a-half home but hung left inside the final furlong and was collared by Baron Noir.

The Vadamos gelding soon asserted and despite going left himself late on he was always on top as he recorded a length-and-a-half success.

Baron Noir, a 12/1 shot today, has been third in a Listed contest when last seen at Newbury in February.

The winner is owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate and Fehily said:-

“It was a good performance. I was a bit worried as it looked like he was trapped down the inner and not getting much room, but Rob James is around long enough.

“He was in experienced hands, and he flew home. I’m delighted with him.

“It’s been the plan since before he ran in Newbury. After he won in Plumpton the plan was to come here for the winners of one.

“We ran him in the Listed race in Newbury and I thought he ran very well that day. If he won in Newbury he was going to have to go for the Champion Bumper, but he was always coming here.

“The syndicate were keen to come over and we’d love to bring more horses over in the future. It’s a great Festival and we get very well looked after.

“He’ll go hurdling next season.” Edward Sexton was another to spot something in the straight, having veered left and ran out after a couple of furlongs on the first time past the stands.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)