Ketchum's brother scores in style

A step up in trip is on the cards for Apache Jack after the Oscar gelding justified 5/4 favouritism with the minimum of fuss in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

It’s not surprising that connections are thinking that way as not only did the five-year-old take command in the straight but he is also a full-brother to former top class staying hurdler Black Jack Ketchum.

Bryan Cooper’s mount had the race in safe keeping before the last, and he could afford to take things easy on the run-in and still beat Shemshal by 12 lengths. Isle View was a further two lengths adrift in third. Rough Justice the 7/2 second favourite, jumped left on a number of occasions and weakened after two out. He was found to be coughing post-race.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said, “He’s got a staying pedigree and is a three-miler. He should be able to go the novice route once he is going over a distance."