Powerful gives McManus Punchestown treble Powerful completed a treble on the card for owner JP McManus when running out a convincing winner of the concluding Albert Bartlett Qualifier at Punchestown. The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding travelled strongly to challenge turning for home in the two-and-a-half mile contest and was sent on over the last by Simon Torrens. He soon asserted to post a two-length success over 16/5 favourite San Hilario. The 13/2 winner had won over the minimum trip here in November before finishing mid-division at Leopardstown over Christmas. He was stepping up to this trip for the first time today. Harrington highlights preference for right-handed tracks Harrington said:- “He never travelled in Leopardstown and he lugged to the right, so maybe he’s happier going right-handed than left-handed. “He’s a big horse to organise, and he probably learned a lot in Leopardstown as everything happened quick there over two miles. He loved it today over two and a half. “He’ll probably come back here for the Final and where we go in between, I’ll talk to Frank (Berry, racing manager) and we’ll see. “He’ll be a lovely chaser for next year. He was a very weak horse but has got a lot stronger.” (Quotes by Alan Magee)
