Easy win for Neverushacon in Punchestown opener

Neverushacon recorded his second win over the cross-country course at Punchestown, as he ran out an easy winner of the Ballymore Group Risk Of Thunder Chase.

Successful here in February, the Jessica Harrington trained nine-year-old since failed to make an impact in the Cross-Country race at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Second in this very race twelve months ago, the Echo Of Light gelding was expected to go one place better this year and was sent off the 2/1 favourite under Paddy Kennedy.

Never far off the pace, he jumped to the front at the third last and increased his advantage before the final flight, going on to register an eleven length success. Ballyboker Bridge (7/2 from 9/2) finished a gallant second under Jamie Codd for Peter Maher, while Some Neck (20/1 from 40s) was another three and three parts of a length back in third.

Kate Harrington said in the aftermath: "He was deadly and we couldn't be happier with him. He seems to absolutely love it here.

"We didn't get things changed over in time but he's being leased by good friends of the late David Reid Scott, so it will be a bit of fun for all of them.

"We may go back to Cheltenham in December with him if the ground isn't too heavy. For whatever reason he just seems to be a different horse around here."

Paddy Power go 33/1 (from 40s) about Neverushacon for the Cross-Country at Cheltenham in March.

STEWARDS REPORT

Mr R.W. Barron, rider of Plinth trained by E. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right and made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee