Warm reception for very poignant winner

As one writer noted in a preview of the Betdaq Rated Novice Chase there would be enormous goodwill behind The West's Awake A day on from the funeral of his wife Maria, Edward O'Grady sent out the 16/1 chance for the 5-runner Punchestown event and the enormous goodwill carried the Yeats gelding all the way to victory.

Maria (54) died last Saturday from injuries incurred in a fall while hunting with the Tipperary Foxhounds, leaving Edward and two young daughters Mimi and Rosie Mae behind.

Whether divine intervention played a role or not, it was amazing to see the Sue Magnier-owned The West's Awake suddenly spurt into top gear at the last for a three and three parts of a length win from Woods Well (11/10 favourite).

Winning rider Andrew Lynch said: "I was talking to Mr O'Grady the other day and he said carry on and hopefully he might bring us a bit of luck. He's done it well and Mr O'Grady wasn't sure whether he would handle the ground or not but he picked up well.

"It's great that he's won and hopefully that will give him a bit of a lift."

The winner received a warm reception coming back in from the small attendance.

P. Townend, rider of Bravissimo (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

Owing to the low elevation of the sun, the Stewards granted permission for for fences 5,6 and 7 to be omitted from this race

(AM & EM)