Lucky William now showing his true worth

Lucky William put his experience to good use and in the process landed a gamble (10s this morning into 9/2) under Bryan Cooper in the Grade 3 Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown.

A winner at Listowel 20 days back, Lucky William travelled supremely well through this two and a quarter mile contest and he was looking a likely winner from some way out. He hung a bit to his left when delivering his challenge before the last but he found what was required on the run in to see off the pace-setting chasing debutant, Whodoyouthink (ran with a deal of credit) by a length and a quarter.

The majority of connections are likely to have come away from here with hopes intact for the future, the likes of Shinrock Paddy (5th) and Rathlin (7th, Davy Russell reported that he travelled well to 3 out & then got tired. He was blowing hard post race) certain to improve for this effort.

Tom Cooper trains Lucky William for the Garden Kingdom Syndicate and he said: "We always thought he was a good horse and he'll go for the Drinmore now.

"He winged his fences but when he hit the front he thought he'd done enough.

"He's a better horse this season – mentally and physically. He is so versatile as regards ground and anywhere from two to two and a half miles is his trip."