Datokepe clears the last under Mark Enright© Photo Healy Racing
Dessie Hughes saddled a one, two in the Westmeath Beginners Chase as Datokepe recaptured his best form, springing a 33/1 shock in the process, beating stable mate Mackeys Forge (7/1) into second.
The nine-year-old son of Lord Americo, was a consistent performer in 2010/11, winning a bumper and a hurdle (the FBD Insurance Hurdle on this card), but only returned to action in March having been off the track for well over a year.
Two poor runs and a fall later, he was sent off at the massive odds of 33/1 (was 16/1 this morning) this evening under Mark Enright.
On just his second start over fences he hit the front at the second last and he kept on well from there to beat stable mate Mackeys Forge (Roger Loughran in the saddle) by a length and a quarter at the line with Tom Horn a further three lengths back in third at 7/2 (opened at 9/2 on-course) under Davy Condon for Noel Meade.
The front running Jim Will Fix It fell at the third last when still in front while Rattan was sent off the 3/1 favourite under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins but he disappointingly pulled up.
Dessie Hughes said afterwards: "That wasn't the plan but it's no harm having a winner!
"He's only ran once over fences at Punchestown and fell so we didn't see enough then to judge how he jumps.
"He's schooled well at home and looks like he'll make a nice three-mile chaser. He broke down and was off for a year-and-a-half. It was his first run back at Punchestown."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
