Tribes And Banner hits all right notes

Charlie Swan’s Tribes And Banner followed up on his course success less than three weeks ago when routing his rivals in the 10 Admission Chase at Punchestown.

John Cullen did the steering again on the nine-year-old, though this time the pair had an extra two furlongs to negotiate than in the handicap chase last-time out. This race was over when Tribes And Banner joined front-runner Imperial Shabra at the fourth last.

He moved into the lead on his own three out and scooted clear round the home turn coming to the second last. Cullen could afford a peek over his shoulder at his toiling rivals as his mount came in 11 lengths to the good at 7/1.

The quick ground was fully expected to suit Jessica Harrington’s Burn And Turn who was backed on course from 9/4 to 13/8 favouritism, however she didn’t get competitive today but kept on for second, half a length in front of Imperial Shabra (33/1).

Charlie Swan said: “He was just on song today. He met every fence right. He was keen. I wouldn’t like to have been riding him myself.

“He has some pace. I rode him one day round Dundalk over a mile (schooling race). He got left 15 lengths and was only beaten four.

“He had a little bit of an injury a few years ago and started jumping rapidly left. That’s why we went back to the flat.

“We’ll look for something similar or go hurdling. He’s only rated 116 over hurdles.

“I’m delighted for him when he’s that age. He’s been a great old servant and that’s his best performance.”

He’s Our Man, 12/1 this morning to an SP of 7/1, could make no impression in sixth place of the nine-runner field.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson