Gabbys Cross and Rachael Blackmore are clear jumping the last© Photo Healy Racing
Gabbys Cross (15/2) foiled a courageous gamble on Debuchet at Punchestown today as the Henry De Bromhead trained winner held on for a short-head success over his wayward rival, in the Shop Local Online Rated Novice Hurdle.
Debuchet had previously won just once in 18 jump starts following his high-profile second in the 2017 Cheltenham Bumper for trainer Mags Mullins and today, still a maiden over hurdles, debuted for new trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Backed on-the-show from 11/1 to 9/2 favourite, Debuchet looked all at sea as he was pushed along from early but did improve to be a moderate eighth entering the home straight and jumped the last in third.
Gabbys Cross and jockey Rachael Blackmore were clear jumping that final flight but Debuchet powered home on the run-in and failed by just a short-head to catch Gabbys Cross, who was today following up an October Tramore maiden hurdle win.
Afterwards winning trainer Henry De Bromhead stated “I'm delighted and it was a brilliant ride by Rachael.
“He seems to be improving, he was a bit weak last year.
“There is a novice handicap over 2m4f at Leopardstown and I just have to check if he's eligible, if he is he'll go for that.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
