Dont Back Down shows battling qualities

Davy Condon and Dont Back Down were a winning combination in the three mile handicap chase at Punchestown, as they forged home for handler Gordon Elliott.

The pair were always in the front rank and fought off all-comers in registering a three and a half length win at 8/1 in the first-time blinkers. Total Submission ran a promising race for Jim Culloty and David Splaine. The grey son of Kayf Tara started to motor coming to two out and stayed on for second at 9/1. This was his first run for 206 days. Give Us A Hand at 20/1 grabbed third ahead of even money favourite Stonemaster who was off the bridle a good way out under Ruby Walsh. Stonemaster, trained by Dessie Hughes, was popular in the betting ring from 11/8 to evens to improve on his runner-up finish here on May 11.

Referring to when he allowed his mount to be headed for three fences from the eighth, Davy Condon said: “He wouldn’t go in front, but in behind he travelled well. It was hard work. It’s hard to know whether the blinkers worked on him or not.

“He’s very leery, but he’s tough and stays well.”

Daring Article (lame) and Bruff (ground) were notable absentees.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson