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Punchestown 2024
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Another winner for English through Gaelic
Dance Alone and Donagh O'Connor (nearside) are too strong for the Rossa Ryan-ridden Roachdale House
© Photo Healy Racing
"Another gem from Gaelic Bloodstock (along with his dual winner, Red Avenger). That's two from two from the sales," said trainer Damian English after his Dance Alone proved best in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Apprentice Handicap under Donagh O'Connor.
Nine to two joint favourite Roachdale House might have shaped as a likely winner under Rossa Ryan, but he couldn't produce enough when asked and lost out by half a length to Dance Alone. World Of Good didn't get a trouble free run and she was a short head back in third.
"I was only saying to my father at lunchtime today that's a pity we didn't get a couple more. It worked out well this time but you don't always get that lucky," added English.
"He's a lovely horse. I thought he was going to be a sprinter. I bought him thinking five and six furlongs.
"Rory (Cleary) got off him the time before and said you have another seven furlong horse on your hands.
"We gave him another run over five the last day, just to be sure, down in grade. He was drawn wide and got a little tapped for toe.
"Over seven today he was a different horse. Fingers crossed he'll build on it.
"The two runs over five left him sharp. Hopefully that will just tee him up now and he'll come back here next week for the good race over seven.
"There is definitely plenty to work with as he's very idle. Donagh said he's always just doing enough so fingers crossed there is more to come."
(GC & EM)