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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Breen picks up good pot with That's Mad
That's Mad has his head in front where it matters
© Photo Healy Racing
That's Mad gave trainer Leanne Breen her biggest success to date in the Joe McGrath Premier Handicap at the Curragh.
Kevin Manning 's mount raced behind the pace-setting Rosie Bassett on the stands' side.
Rosie Basset gave best after halfway and it was Arnhem Mi Esperanza Strong Johnson and Chocquinto who blazed away at the head of affairs racing to the final furlong.
That's Mad was produced between Strong Johnson and Chocquinto in the final 150 yards and ran on well to seal the victory by half a length at 10/1.
Strong Johnson had to settle for second at 13/2 by a head from the admirable Arnhem (7/2f) who was placed for the fourth time in a row.
Breen said: “I thought the gap was going to close on him but thankfully it stayed open and Kevin just said he keeps improving.
“The whole year was mapped around the Joe McGrath. We ran him here out of the handicap just to see he’d handle the track and that was his first run of the season.
“We have low-grade handicappers in the yard but it’s great to have one to put our name out. He’s been a great servant for the yard.
“He loves Bellewstown and when you come back to a straight track you have to weave him in and out to keep him interested.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee