Grand Jury puts them away in Punchestown

Henry de Bromhead's Grand Jury marked himself out as a horse of considerable potential when racing through to take the five-year-old colts and geldings point-to-point bumper at Punchestown.

The market didn't speak in the favourite's favour as he took a walk from 4/7 this morning out to 5/4 on the off as sustained support came for Jalkadam a brother to Grade One winner Djakadam.

It was Jalkadam who hit the front once long-time leader Tommy Dillon got swallowed up over three furlongs out. He was followed through by Fameaftertheglory and Grand Jury.

Jalkadam's jockey, Jamie Codd, kicked for home approaching the final quarter of a mile and looked to have stolen a march.

However, Patrick Mullins gave Grand Jury a couple of nudges and his mount surged through to lead racing to the final furlong.

He kept on strongly to account for Fameaftertheglory (10/3) by four and three quarter lengths. There was another four lengths back to Jalkadam (9/2) in third.

Mullins said: “He's a beautiful horse. He fell asleep with me and he got there too soon because I wasn't sure what I had underneath me.

“When I gave him a squeeze he made up five lengths in a couple of strides, got there too soon and was a bit lairy.

“I think he's a lot better than the bare result suggests and he's definitely a horse to look forward to next year.

“I'd imagine, being one of Henry's, once he goes over fences he'll be something else. I like the feel he gave me.”

Grand Jury won a point-to-point at Turtulla in November for Pat Doyle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson