Hereditary Rule and Shane O'Callaghan clear at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Hereditary Rule and Shane O'Callaghan proved to be a good partnership in the Grade A HSS Hire Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
The 14/1 shot travelled strongly behind Royal Rendezvous and picked him off three out. He soon increased the advantage and was clear at the last.
The eight-year-old gelding powered home by eight and a-half lengths from Royal Rendezvous (18/1). Gallant John Joe completed the placings in third at 15/2.
Shane O'Callaghan, having his first ride for John McConnell, said: "Unbelievable! I can't thank John McConnell and the team at home enough.
"Just a spare ride, bottom-weight, claim 7lb off him and he was dynamite.
"I was talking to Ben Harvey before and he said to jump off, put your finger in your neckstrap and enjoy him.
"The plan was to be in the first three or four but he was a bit slow to the first so I just rode my race from there. His jumping got him into it.
"Turned in, no weight on his back, gave him a kick in the belly down to the last and he winged it and hit the line very strong."
McConnell added: “We thought he'd run better when he was in two hot races at Cheltenham and Aintree but the ground was far too slow for him.
“It was very warm here and drying ground and you could see he travelled much better. It was probably an easier race than the other two races as well.
“It fell apart a little bit but he was very impressive from the back of the last and I think it would have taken a good one to beat him. He's a very consistent genuine horse.
“The syndicate is headed up by Ian Bermingham who used to play for St Patrick's Athletic. Him and his mates have this lad and they follow him everywhere. They've had a good spring between Cheltenham, Aintree and here now.
“He lost his way a little bit before we got him but he's just come back, he's just got confidence I think.
“He's a brilliant jumper and his jumping kept him in the race the whole way. Sometimes he's been a soft finisher, but today he wasn't.
“He actually lives out the whole time which I think has helped him a lot. We try to get as many as we can out but it's been hard this winter. They should be out as much as possible.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
