Atlantic Shore, second right, sails over the last in his pursuit of Milliner© Photo Healy Racing
After winning over fences at Punchestown in January, Atlantic Shore followed up over hurdles at the same track today.
It was another staying trip that he faced in this Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle Qualifier and he began to make his challenge after two out. It was at this stage that Milliner and Rachel Blackmore had gone for home.
Atlantic Shore and Brian Hayes kept closing in third all the way to the last and a good jump there helped the pair catch Milliner in the final 150 yards.
The 9/2 chance won going away by a length and a half. Sassy Yet Classy (16/1 from 22/1) came in second ahead of 11/4 favourite Milliner. Dalton Highway (7/1) put in good late work to complete the placings in fourth.
Trainer Philip Fenton said: “Brian said he’s never travelled as well and he can be a bit moody. Hopefully we can keep him in that frame of mind.
“The plan is to go for the Leinster National at Naas on Sunday week and hopefully we’ll get some rain before then.
“The Irish National might come into the reckoning but it’s step by step. The weather will decide.
“He failed to win a maiden hurdle but his handicap mark is so much better over hurdles. He’s a chaser really.”
Atlantic Shore has never finished out of the places in four visits to Punchestown.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
