Runners jump the big double - winner Outlaw Pete (with the blue cap) is landing © Photo Healy Racing
Four of the runners from the La Touche Cup completed in the opening Irish Field Chase at Punchestown today with John Halley's Outlaw Pete under the trainer's son Josh Halley, leading home a 1-2-3 from Thursday's long distance race.
The son of Witness Box, who won last year's Ladies Cup for trainer Enda Bolger before switching yards this season, spectacularly exited the La Touche at Ruby's Double on Thursday but made no mistake today, staying on well under pressure from the final fence to defeat Arabella Boy
Arabella Boy himself failed to complete Thursday's La Touche, having been brought down, while third placed Long Strand did complete the 4m1f race but finished tenth.
After his win, Halley Snr, who is also chief vet at Coolmore, said “that makes up for Thursday – we are point to pointing people and get a right kick out of this!
“This is great that J.P. (McManus, owner) sent us the horse for Josh to ride. We thought Thursday was like our Gold Cup but this is more than a Gold Cup!”
