Roche backers in clover after massive-priced treble

Leigh Roche rode a sparkling big-priced treble at Punchestown today with the final leg coming on 50/1 outsider Our Dickie

He booted home the first two winners on the card on Michael O'Callaghan's Gozen (7/2) and Rothko (14/1). The treble paid a whopping 3441.5/1. Kartayaz and Kyanna Van Buuren were smartly away to soon lead from stall 15 in this first division of the 1m1f 47-65 handicap. Our Dickie slotted in just behind in second.

Roche got after his mount over a quarter of a mile from home as Kartayaz still led. Our Dickie responded generously to head Kartayaz over a furlong out and, although he edged left, he was driven out to score by a length and a half from 5/2 favourite Everylittlestep Salt Whistle Bay completed the placings at 10/1.

When asked if he had a chance of a four-timer in the last race, Roche quipped: "I'd say if I do it, I will retire!"

Trainer Claire O'Connell said: “Joey Tormey bought the horse and he passed away a few weeks ago, he was Conor's dad and he'd be an uncle of Andrew Lynch.

“He runs in the Donaghmore/Ashbourne colours, the green and white, and Joey was chairman of our GAA club. Conor was Meath GAA chairman.

“I have four in training, two for the Flat and two for jumping and we have a few point-to-pointers. That's my first Flat winner so I'm delighted.”

"Thanks to Niall McCullagh, he rode him the last day and he recommended an ease in the ground and a further trip and cheekpieces. That all came into play today. Niall liked him and thought those things would make a huge difference.

"Going forward, he does need even softer ground. Navan is the next plan if we get an ease in the ground."

Our Dickie had been unplaced in three maidens and a handicap when available at bigger odds than 50/1.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson