Fountain House completes Cross Country double for McCarthy Having won the Ladies Cup on the opening afternoon, the Ian McCarthy trained Fountain House scored for the second time at this years festival when easily following up in the Howden Cross Country Chase at Punchestown. Sent off 11/8f to complete the double, Fountain House was held up in mid division by jockey Rob James in the early stages of the race. Taking closer order to track the leaders at halfway, the Nicola McCarthy owned gelding moved second entering the straight, as British raider Escaria Ten led the field. Taking over in front approaching two out, Fountain House kept on strongly to land a famous win by 10 lengths. Fakir D'oudairies stayed on for second, with Escaria Ten back in third. Ian McCarthy said: "We brought him to Ballinesker Beach in Wexford after he won on Tuesday and it is lovely for the likes of this horse to freshen them up. We bring them for a little walk up to their knees which is good for them. "We wouldn't have run him unless we knew he was 100% and we'll get him home now and mind him. There are a few weeks left in the point-to-point season but we'll do what is right by the horse. "We will have to look for these races and possibly the La Touche next year for him. "Poor Eoin Mahon has done all the work with this horse but unfortunately is injured this week. We have the got the best of Rob James' 7lb claim this week and this is absolutely brilliant." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
