Bolger dominates cross country opener

Enda Bolger ran three horses in the Boomerang Animal Bedding Cross Country Chase at Punchestown and saddled the first, second and fourth home as Josies Orders took the glory.

The seven-year-old gelding had his first run for Bolger when unseating at the second last in Thursday's La Touche Cup after being badly hampered. Prior to that, he had been trained by Jonjo O'Neill in England.

The exertions during the week obviously didn't affect him in this stamina-sapping event over the banks course. Although he raced on and off the bridle throughout, he moved into sixth place jumping the second last.

The 2/1 favourite was then delivered down the outside by Nina Carberry as the pair came to the last fence which was jumped in a close-up third. On the run-in he quickly got his head in front and stayed on stoutly to score by two and three quarter lengths.

Stablemate Federici kept on well for second at 7/1 with Enniskillen grabbing third at 25/1. Wish Ye Didnt was the meat in the sandwich between Josies Orders and Enniskillen on the run-in and had to settle for fourth.

Enda Bolger said: "When you see Uncle Junior setting the bar the other day at 14, this lad is only seven and this will be his job for the future. Nina gave him a great ride and the second ran well also."

This was the seventh winner at this year's festival for owner JP McManus. Sizing Australia who was going for a hat-trick in this race, came home seventh.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee