O'Regan discards sick note and returns with Wood winner

Denis O'Regan bounced back to health with a win at Punchestown today when steering the Alan Fleming trained Wood Emery to land an on-course gamble (14/1 to 13/2) and win the Cheltenham Festival On Racing UK Handicap Hurdle.

O'Regan arrived at Naas yesterday but missed his three rides, one of which subsequently won, due to an upset stomach. The dual Stayers Hurdle-winning jockey today eschewed his sick note and eventually steered Wood Emery to a typically patient winning ride.

O'Regan later explained “I was very sick yesterday and Dr Downey stood me down on the day but it worked out well today and it's helping - although I've to get through the next race now, it's three and a half miles so it'll test me!”

Regarding Wood Emery, trainer Fleming reported “things didn't do quite right for him last year. He was a bit immature and our horses were a little bit under the weather so he was probably off a nice mark there today.

“Where'll see where he goes after this, we have no major plans for him. He jumps grand and will handle a bit better ground as well. He's nice and I'd say he'll win plenty of races all being well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson