Duke does it in style

Sandymount Duke produced a fine front-running performance to land the spoils in the Bet In-Play With The Ladbrokes App Chase at Punchestown.

Ruby Walsh was always to the fore on the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding and he enjoyed the definite lead at halfway.

Ronnie Wood's gelding had his rivals in trouble turning for home as popular veteran Hidden Cyclone (9/4f) gave chase.

Walsh asked his mount to stretch after the second last and he could afford to ease up on the 11/4 shot in the closing stages for a nine-and-a-half length success.

The winner, who has tended to thrive during the summer months, had been fifth on his return to action at the festival meeting late last month.

“"He needs a big galloping track, three miles and top of the ground. He's a great fun horse,” said Harrington.

"The Galway Plate is a possibility but Ruby said he wouldn't have the speed to get to the first fence quick enough.

"There is the Summer Plate at Market Rasen or we might have to think about Cheltenham in October. It's hard to find something suitable for him."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)