R'evelyn Pleasure and Sargent Lightfoot (partly hidden) jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
R’evelyn Pleasure provided Sean O’Brien with a welcome change of luck when landing the Gift A Punchestown Voucher This Christmas Handicap Hurdle.
The Kilworth trainer has been without a winner since the Getaway gelding last scored at Fairyhouse in January 2019, and he attributed the fitting of cheek-pieces as key to victory here.
The 10/1 chance was never too far from the pace in this two and a half miles event, and was helped by a mistake at the last from Sargent Lightfoot to land the spoils.
Donagh Meyler’s mount kept on well on the run-in to beat that rival by a length and three quarters, with top-weight Broomfields Jeremy a further length away in third.
A delighted O’Brien said, “He’s been some servant. Even though he’s nearly nine, we probably learned a bit about him the last day. He wasn’t enjoying himself and had lost his confidence.
“After the last day we decided to put cheek-pieces on him. We were a lot more positive with him today and he probably got the run of the race in front. He jumped super and really enjoyed himself.
“I probably made a mistake running him over fences last year as he lost his confidence completely.
“It was great that they rescheduled today as there was very little for him and if the handicapper is not too hard on him he’ll go to Leopardstown. If not he may come back here for a similar type race at the end of the month if he gets in.
“I’m delighted for Mark McDonagh as he’s a great supporter of mine. Mark junior also deserves credit as he missed out today through injury but has played his part.”
