Madden happy to lose weight for big win

Niall Madden may have had to go hungry to get down to the minimum weight but it all proved worthwhile as Whatareudoingtome led home a 1-2 for owner J P McManus in the €40,000 Three.ie Handicap Chase at Punchestown. White Arm led away from the second last but the 11/2 favourite was soon challenged by Madden’s mount who led at the last.

The Philip Dempsey-trained 16/1 chance stayed on strongly on the run-in to score by five lengths from White Arm, with Georges Conn finding no extra in the closing stages another three and a quarter lengths away in third. Courtown Oscar was prominent throughout in this 3m6f test and eventually finished fourth.

Madden said, “He travelled well. He had 9-10 on his back but it was a competitive race and it's just the way he was handicapped that he had to carry that weight.

“The trip suited and he jumped great. I just had to sit on him for a long as I could and have one go on the leader going to the last.

“I had to miss dinner and a breakfast. I do like my food but it's worth it when you get races like that.

“I took a chance and went over to Harry Fry's this season. He's been very good to me and I've had a good few winners since I went over.

"I had a Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham last week and hopefully it can go on to bigger and better things.”

Dempsey said, “He was a bit unlucky at Fairyhouse the last day. Niall gave him a lovely ride and rode him with a bit of confidence. The better ground helped, and we have Teacher’s Pet who is a half-sister. The family seem to like a bit of better ground.

“He did well from the back of the last. He certainly stayed very well, and you never really know if they will get that sort of trip until they try. He could race on over the summer but is a big horse and I wouldn’t like to run him on really quick ground.”