Banks could be next on the agenda for Western Model Western Model added to two previous wins over hurdles including one at this venue when taking the opening Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase at Punchestown. The Westerner gelding has gained all his victories over this three-mile trip and again showed stamina to be his forte. Sean O’Keeffe’s mount made headway to challenge entering the straight and struck the front approaching the final fence. The 9/2 joint favourite kept on well on the run-in to beat Everystep Oftheway by a length and a quarter with Il Silenzio a further two and a quarter lengths back in third. Winning trainer Andrew Kinirons said, “He likes it here, he has good form at this track. It was great to have Sean back on him. That's his second win on the horse. “He got his ground; he likes nice ground. Touch wood, he jumped brilliantly and Sean gave him a lovely ride. He's been knocking on the door over fences; he hasn't been out of the money in his last five runs. I'm delighted for the lads (Espresso Martini Syndicate). “We've been schooling him over banks so we might run here in the banks race in a couple of weeks. He's a sweet horse and we're very happy with him.” Quotes by John O'Riordan
