Storyteller left to win as Photo swerves out at last

There was high drama at the final fence of the Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown as The Storyteller was gifted victory in the Grade 1 contest. Al Boum Photo had inherited the lead himself two from home when Monalee crashed out and brought down Invitation Only

Paul Townend swerved right approaching the last, however, on Al Boum Photo as he appeared to attempt to avoid the last fence on his mount.

He forced nearest pursuer Finian's Oscar out with him and crashed through the wing, with Townend getting unseated.

Townend was later hit with a 21-day ban for dangerous riding. He was not available for comment afterwards and the details of what was said in the enquiry were not revealed.

Drama doesn't quite cover this - The Storyteller somehow comes out on top in the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase. Absolutely unbelievable... pic.twitter.com/Ga6BwfYRad

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 24, 2018

The Storyteller was left to profit and he led home another Elliott 1-2-3, going on to beat Monbeg Notorious by six lengths with another length-and-a-quarter back to Jury Duty

“I don't what happened. We got a bit of luck on our side and we needed it with the way the day started off,” said Elliott.

“It's going to be ding dong for the week and it just shows what can happen.

“I don't know what happened to Paul Townend, it all happened that quick. I was standing at the last and when I saw Paul going I wasn't sure if it had been bypassed.

“It worked out great for me so I can't complain.

“He's won a Grade 1 now and won at Cheltenham. The Sloans are massive supporters of the yard so I'm delighted for them.

“If it's like this for the week it'll be interesting anyway!”

Russell added:- “I was just trying to get over the last because there was so much going on I was afraid he wasn't concentrating on the fence but he met the last on a really nice stride.

“It's great for the owners. They've been in the game a long time and a bit of luck never goes astray.

“I had a marvellous run around and was just so happy with the way my horse was running.

“After a long year he'd run some really nice races without getting the reward. I thought he was going to run a career best to finish third and then to get the race was extra special.

“It's difficult for both Gordon and Willie because it's so tight and it's so important for both of them.

“It's important for me and Jack (Kennedy) and the guys are well. The pressure isn't projected on to us which is great.

“It's going to be a long week and I'm just hoping that we're going to have a party at the end of the week. Hopefully he can hang on now.”

The following is the excerpt from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board report into the enquiry:-

"The Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the last fence involving Al Boum Photo (FR), ridden by P. Townend and Finian's Oscar, ridden by R.M. Power. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that P. Townend was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden dangerously and having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended him for 21 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee."