Round The Buoy clear of the field at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Round The Buoy routed a big field in the first split of the extended two mile seven handicap hurdle at Punchestown to seal a brace of winners for jockey Kevin Sexton.
The seven-year-old gelding sported blinkers for the first time in addition to the tongue-strap. He hadn't been placed in his previous 12 races across flat racing in Britain and hurdling in Ireland so went off at 20/1.
He was asked for his effort three wide approaching the straight and got to the front turning for home. The son of Henrythenavigator scooted clear by the last and, although he didn't meet it on the best stride, Sexton could afford to ease down in the closing stages.
The winning distance was recorded at seven lengths from Memory Of Youth (8/1). Emancipator the 4/1 favourite, took third with Lady L'lerom completing the placings in fourth at 12/1.
“I was probably too long waiting to put the blinkers on him,” said trainer David Dunne.
“He was 50th in the ballot for today and I didn't expect him to get in. He ran on Saturday and wasn't tired afterwards, he didn't exert himself a lot.
“It's so hard to get into races I said we'd go again. He has ability but he doesn't show a lot at home.”
Sexton took the preceding race on board Captain Conby (4/1).
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
