Henry Sellers, left, finishes strongest in Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Top-weight Henry Sellers fought hard to win division one of the 80-95 handicap hurdle under Sean O'Keeffe who rode a 151/1 double.
A massive field went to post for this extended two and a half mile race and it boiled down to three horses at the last - Henry Sellers on the inner, 9/4 favourite Glen Robin in the middle, and Dylan Oak on the outer.
All three rose together at the last and Henry Sellers soon took a narrow lead on the run-in under his burden of 12 stone.
The 7/1 chance kept on gamely to increase the margin to a length at the line. Runner-up Glen Robin was appearing under the 5lb penalty for winning at Limerick last Thursday. Dylan Oak was nicely backed down to 10/1 and his supporters got an each-way dividend in third as he finished half a length away. Punters Poet completed the places a further four lengths back in fourth at 11/2.
Trainer Shane Crawley said: “The horses are running well [saddled Nodoubtaboutthat who was second in the previous race] and I’m delighted as that is Paul Kelly’s first horse in training.
“We gave him a run in Navan. He didn’t like the ground and we found out a few things about him.
“I think he’ll stay a bit further and that Sean O’Keeffe can ride. He was a bit idle early on and he gave him a reminder and kept him in it.
“He jumps well and could go over fences in time.”
O'Keeffe was also on board Pipers Meadow who obliged at 18/1.
The Stewards requested a report from Shane Crawley, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Henry Sellers, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on its previous run when running under his care for the first time. He added that the application of a tongue tie today, on better ground conditions, over a longer trip, had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
