Shady Operator and O'Connor a match made in heaven cross country

Second market-choice Ballyboker Bridge pulled up before halfway and it was left to strong favourite, J P McManus’ Shady Operator (7/4 into evens), to shine in the P.P. Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase at Punchestown.

On his third outing for Enda Bolger and having his initial taste of this discipline, the Derek O’Connor-ridden Shady Operator beat Ballyboker Bridge’s Peter Maher stable companion, Blast Of Koeman by two and a half lengths.

Hero of the hour in the Ulster National at Downpatrick in March, Space Cadet ended up four lengths back in third.

“He did it well. He’s an experienced handicapper but it was his first time over the course. He’d taken well to the banks at home and Derek said he was very professional,” said Bolger.

“We’ll see now how he is after this. I don’t know whether he’d be good enough to go to Cheltenham or not. He could be a horse for here but we’ll see when we get him home and talk to the boss man.

“It’s Derek’s first winner over the banks.”

For the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham Shady Operator is 7/1 (from 10/1) with Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power (non runner no bet).

Mr J.J. Codd, rider of Ballyboker Bridge trained by Peter Maher, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount clipped heels early on and almost came down, never travelled thereafter and was subsequently pulled up.

(AM & EM)