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Punchestown 2024
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A Day to remember for Harty and Roche
Have A Nice Day (Leigh Roche, nearside) just edges out Focussed
© Photo Healy Racing
Sabrina Harty's Kalann finished third to Wexford Town in the 5.20 but the Curragh trainer's Have A Nice Day got the better of one in the Bolger colours when edging out Focussed by a nose in the concluding Irish Field Handicap at headquarters.
Capping off a marvellous weekend for Leigh Roche, who doubled up yesterday with Line Of Reason in the Scurry and Sparkle Factor for his boss Dermot Weld, the diminutive Oratorio gelding just got the better Focussed (had led from two furlongs out) by the minimum margin.
Harty disclosed: "I was sure at first that he was second and I thought he'd run a stormer from such a bad draw.
"He's tiny and he has a short neck – we think sometimes he needs a neck extension.
"He's game and gutsy and the owners are brilliant so they deserve it.
"He's consistent – all he does is eat and sleep and he's such a little champion."
The Stewards received a request from J.P. Murtagh, trainer of Regal Power (GB), to allow the nominated rider Caroline Murtagh, carry two pounds over the declared weight, it being her minimum allowed riding weight. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards granted the request.
(GC & EM)