Jungle Boogie got the last wrong under Paul Townend but still won by 30 lengths© Photo Healy Racing
Division one of the Happy Birthday Sarah Ann Madden Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown went to Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with Pont Aval They doubled up in split two courtesy of the Malcolm Denmark-owned Jungle Boogie (1/5 into 2/13 favourite).
Townend kept it simple from the front on the Clonmel bumper scorer from back in November.
The Gold Well gelding eased away from his field from before two out and gave his connections and supporters a scare with a last flight mistake. Ahead Of The Field (20s into 14s) chased home at a distance of thirty lengths with 125/1 chance Glentruan a neck back in third.
“He’s a brave horse and he was just a bit keen with Paul. He likes to get on about his job, likes to get on with jumping. I think he was too keen to jump well,” said Mullins.
“He looks a decent sort and we’ll see if the owner wants to travel with him. He’s well entered up and could be one for the Ballymore or Albert Bartlett but he could be very keen to be going for one of those races.
“We’ll see how he comes out of this first.”
For the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Jungle Boogie is 25/1 from 50/1 non runner no bet with Paddy Power.
B.J. Foley, rider of Monvour trained by Damian Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very keen.
(AM & EM)
