Pound off the mark over fences Galway Hurdle winner Putapoundinthejar edged a good duel with Mode Avion to claim the Gracie’s Bar Beginners Chase at Sligo. Tony Martin’s charge was a well supported even-money favourite in the two-mile-one contest having been runner-up on his chase debut at Killarney last time. He was a bit untidy at the first two fences as he tracked Mode Avion but warmed to his task and challenged three from home. There was nothing between the pair over the last and Putapoundinthejar just found a bit more close home to secure a neck success. "He was a bit big and starey early on, but jumped better in the second half of the race,” said Martin. "We'll try and get another run into him before the ground changes and the better horses come out. Then we'll give him a break for the winter. "As long as there's some bit of good in the ground description, he's able to handle it." King added:- "We didn't go much of a gallop, but he showed a good turn of foot from the back of the second-last and winged the last. "He'll be better in a better race, and his jumping will get slicker too as he gets more experience.” (Quotes by Mark Nunan)
