All For Rachel and Phillip Enright win the FitClub Handicap Hurdle Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
Having been responsible for the runner-up in the previous race, trainer Oliver McKiernan went one place better as All For Rachel readily disposed of the opposition in the FitClub At Punchestown 9th June Handicap Hurdle.
A 14-race maiden prior to this afternoon, All For Rachel was off the bridle after two out but responded to pressure to move into contention entering the straight.
Staying on strongly to challenge long time leader Benjis Benefit on the run to the final flight, the Phillip Enright ridden gelding soon led.
Back on the bridle after jumping the last, the 9/1 chance powered clear for an easy six-and-a-half length win.
“He's a long time around the house and the penny never dropped. I can't believe how well he travelled today,” said McKiernan.
“He looked like a horse that was going to win races several times before but it never materialised.
“One of the key things to him is the ground but he has strengthened up as well.
“He's a big horse that's been growing and developing for a number of years and every year I say 'I hope I'm not saying the same thing next year!'
“He's seven now and I bought him as a three-year-old.
“He's called after a grandchild of ours, a daughter of Rory and Theresa. They were to be here, I told them to come today.
“He's a manager on one of the sites and told him to finish at one and pick up Theresa and Rachel and come out here.
“I had some inclination today with the way he was working at home and the way he had strengthened up. He was always weak behind.
“You could have lost faith with him but today makes up for it. Phillip gave him a grand ride and came with a lovely timed run.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
