Frontline recoups Punchestown losses

Frontline made amends for the gamble that went astray at Punchestown, as he took the last at Killarney this evening, the Ladies Day This Thursday INH Flat Race.

The Peter Fahey trained gelding was backed from a morning price of 33/1 into 4/1 at the off, for his debut at Punchestown, but he ultimately disappointed, finishing seventh of twenty-three to Stephanie Francis.

The bookies weren’t taking any chances today and he was installed the 13/8 this morning with Paddy Power, opening on track at that price before going off the 6/4 favourite.

Ridden by Katie Walsh, the five-year-old son of King’s Theatre raced in mid-division for much of the contest before he was pushed along into fifth, three furlongs out.

He improved to lead over a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score by a length. Estilaam (25/1) stayed on well to take second under Rachel Blackmore for John Hanlon, while Super Cloud (14/1) ran a fine race to finish third, two and a half lengths back under Gerry Mangan for Donal O’Shea.

Peter Fahey said afterwards: "We fancied him at Punchestown. Katie said that he would like a bit more cut in the ground but he battled well when it came down to it.

"We’ll give him a break now and he’ll come back to go novice hurdling.

"He has also been schooled over fences and he jumps well. He is an exciting horse to have."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee