Close beats Finish in photo thriller

The Richie Rath trained Close Review followed up a recent Limerick success with the narrowest of wins in the Punchestown For Events Handicap Chase at Punchestown today, under Mikey Butler.

The 11 year old was involved in a tight three-way battle on the run to the line and in the end edged a nose success over For A Finish with Down Under a neck back in third. At the end of the 2m6f event, the all important photo print revealed the winning margin to be tiny.

Delighted Wexford based Rath later stated “this was the next place after Limerick and we'll stick to the same kind of race again and try and get another little one.

“From two miles to two-six (miles) to three miles, it doesn't seem to matter to him and Mikey gave him a great ride. He (Close Review) was retired to years ago and that's the way to ride him – let him keep passing horses. His owned Ger Corrigan rides him out at home.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson