Linden`s Lotto ends the Thunder domination Risk Of Thunder's recent domination of the famous banks at Punchestown came to an end on Sunday afternoon when Ken Whelan's mount over jumped the 18th , a drop fence with a hedge, and suffered a crashing fall. His exit left market rival Linden's Lotto in front and, under a confident Paul Carberry, the Tony Martin-trained 12yo came home twelve lengths clear of Bangabunny and John Cullen.Sean `007` Connery's Risk Of Thunder, who notched up his sixth successive victory in the La Touche Cup at the 2000 NH Festival at the Kildare track, was quickly remounted by his rider and to his credit safely negotiated the remaining five obstacles to fill third spot, twenty lengths adrift of the 5/2 winner. A delighted Tony Martin, who trains the veteran Linden`s Lotto for north county Dublin property developer Mick Bailey, said, ` It was unfortunate the other horse fell but not for my fellow, I suppose. This horse has won three times at Cheltenham and it's great that he won this race today. He'll have to come back for the La Touche Cup over the banks in the Spring.`
