Review PUNCHESTOWN 18TH OCT

The featured 4-runner Dunstown Wood Chase produced a shock winner when 10/1 rank outsider Zayta, owned by Rolling Stone Ron Wood, made all under Paul Moloney.

Having been reluctant to set off at Gowran last time she seized the initiative from flag fall and made every yard a winning one to easily defeat Grimes (7/4-11/4) and the disappointing Sackville (1/1-5/4-11/10f).

A jubilant Jessica Harrington said, 'I thought if she jumped off she had a chance. I'd like to go left-handed with her as she does jump a bit to the left but the 2m2f chase at Down Royal next month is a possibility.'

Joe Crowley, father of Sackville's trainer Frances, was not too downbeat after the 11/10 shot didn't jump that fluently, 'He did get beaten on his first two races last year so hoprfully he should come on for the run.'

Frances Crowley, successful later with 5/2f Supreme Venture (Stephen Craine Jnr) in div. 2 of the 2m4f, added on Sackville, 'I'd be leaning towards the 2m Fortria Chase at Navan but we'll have another look at the video.'

Following the contest Cashmans left Sackville unchanged at 10/1 second favourite for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup next March.

Mick Kinane edged just two behind championship leader Pat Smullen in the title race after he conjured up a late rally from Ursa Minor (4/6-11/10-4/5f) to collar Virtuous Image in the closing stages of the 5f maiden.

With Smullen currently on the 75 winner mark, Kinane 73 and John Murtagh 72 it's all to play for during the closing stages of the flat campaign.

Newhall (5/1-9/2f) and Emmett Stack simply toyed with his rivals to defeat Langkawi Island by a very cheeky length in the 12f Apprentice Handicap.

'She loves the soft ground and while we might chance the November Handicap at Leopardstown I'd say she'll be going over hurdles in a while also,' said Francis Flood after Newhall recorded her 4th handicap success this season.

The Jackpot pool swelled to #23,231.50 and approaching the final flight it looked as if the 32 units on Columba (1/2-1/1-8/11f) were set to collect as he loomed up omminously alongside Woodys Blue Lagoon.

However after gaining a narrow advantage he suffered a crashing fall under Barry Geraghty leaving Paul Carberry to come home unchallenged on Noel Meade's 7/1 shot with stable-companion Boleys Pride a promising 2nd.

As a result just three lucky Jackpot investors scooped a dividend of #5,807.80.

Wexford-born William Codd (27) recorded his 9th success in the plate and his 3rd successive victory in as many rides aboard Tenshookmen (7/1-5/1jf), trained by his father and namesake in the 2m4f handicap chase.

Racing concluded with the Pat Hughes-trained Lawz (3/1-5/2f) and Garrett Cotter easily defeating uneasy Hartigan (2/1-9/2) in the finale. The #50,000 S.E.R.E handicap hurdle at Down Royal is next for the 7yo gelding.