Ryan and Quinlan Reach Up for a victory

Reach Up collared the favourite Thecraicisninety to give John Ryan and Liam Quinlan a victory in the two mile handicap chase at Punchestown.

Thecraicisninety attempted to make all and raced clear, however, the petrol gauge started to flash after the second last as Reach Up cut into the deficit.

Reach Up got on terms at the last but wasn't fluent there as Thecraicisninety got away from it first.

Quinlan drove Reach Up into a narrow lead in the final 150 yards, though, and the pair increased the margin to three parts of a length at the line.

The winner was backed in from 9/2 to 7/2 while the runner-up went off at 7/4.

John Ryan said: “He’s a grand horse, and his ultimate aim is to go for the race in Listowel (Kerry Group Handicap Chase) that Kylecrue won three times.

"We’ll find something in Galway and we’ll consider anywhere there is a nice handicap chase.

“They went a fierce gallop and he was outpaced going to the first. He’s a brilliant jumper.”

The Stewards interviewed L. Quinlan, rider of Reach Up (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that L. Quinlan was in breach of Regulations 10.3 (g) and 10.3 (i), in that he used his whip with excessive frequency and without giving his mount time to respond. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended L. Quinlan for two race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee