18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Cave Court books his Punchestown Festival ticket

Cave Court, left, has too much for Hartur D'arcCave Court, left, has too much for Hartur D'arc
© Photo Healy Racing

Cave Court brought up his sixth career success in the Albert Bartlett Qualifier Handicap Hurdle.

Regular pilot Oran McGill (fifth win on him) guided him into contention two out and the pair led at the final flight.

They were pestered on the run-in by 7/2 favourite Hartur D'arc and Keith Donoghue on their inner, but found that bit extra in the closing stages.

The 9/2 shot won by a length and a-quarter from the 'jolly'. Must Go Now (13/2) made up plenty of ground for third, beaten two and a-half lengths.

Noel Kelly said: “He just ran into a wee bit of trouble the last day in Leopardstown (second).

“He’s qualified now for the final of this series in Punchestown, and we might run in a few chases so not to abuse his hurdle mark.

“He’s a class act of a horse. The wee jockey knows him well and gave him a serious ride.”

This was eight-year-old gelding Cave Court's fourth victory over hurdles to go with two over fences.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.