The Shunter and Brian Hayes pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Despite some sketchy jumps, The Shunter still managed to come home a wide margin winner of the opener at Punchestown this afternoon, the SalesSense Beginners Chase.
Heavy bans and fines were handed out by the stewards after he finished fourth on debut for Emmet Mullins at Tipperary in July, but he has now managed to win his two starts since.
Successful over flights at Downpatrick, the son of Stowaway was sent off a well-backed 11/10 favourite (3/1 in early shows) to follow-up over the larger obstacles today.
In mid-division early and not fluent over the fourth, the Paul Byrne owned gelding soon took closer order behind the leaders.
He made another blunder at the ninth, but quickly regained his composure and improved to lead three out.
Soon in command under Brian Hayes, the bay victor was again far from fluent at the last, but was pushed out on the run-in, coming home eighteen lengths to the good. Enjoy D'allen (14s to 11s) finished second under Kevin Sexton for Peter Fahey, while the front-running Last Encounter (33/1) was another nineteen lengths back in third.
Hayes said afterwards: "I was a little bit worried about his jumping. He made one or two mistakes but they were just novicey mistakes and I think he'll improve a lot from it regards jumping.
"The ground is on the slow side but it's loose - lovely ground."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Eagle Moon (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.
R.M. Power, rider of Eagle Moon (FR) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found todays going too soft.
J .W. Kennedy, rider of Soldiers Hill trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
K.C. Sexton, rider of Enjoy D'allen (FR) trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled a front shoe in running.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
