Coeur Joyeux battles home in Punchestown

Coeur Joyeux won a battle with Sumos Novios to land the extended two mile six handicap chase in Punchestown for Philip and Luke Dempsey. Velocity Boy attempted to stretch the field from the front but his petrol ran out entering the straight as Sumos Novios and Coeur Joyeux passed him.

Sumos Novios who held the narrowest of leads jumping the second last but Coeur Joyeux edged ahead upon landing.

There was very little to separate the pair at the final fence and it was Coeur Joyeux who looked to have the race at his mercy on the run-in.

However, Sumos Novios rallied well and fought to the line before giving best by a head.

Coeur Joyeux went off at 15/2 having been more than double that price (16/1) this morning.

Sumos Novios, returning off a break of 251 days and with joint top weight of 11st 8lbs, had to settle for second at 7/1.

The pair drew 21 lengths clear of third-placed Close Shave (7/2jf).

Philip Dempsey said: "I'm delighted. He battled well and I'm very, very happy with him.

“He seemed to get the trip very well. We'll look for something similar, another staying chase and he seems to like that ground.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson