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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Centurion Kennedy doubles up in finale
Centurion Kennedy doubles up in finale
Lucky Lyreen leads at the last
© Photo Healy Racing
The concluding maiden hurdle over just shy of three miles went to Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy courtesy of 6/4 favourite Lucky Lyreen
Trainer and jockey had combined to win the opener with Coko Beach which was Kennedy's 100th winner of the campaign.
Here, bumper winner Lucky Lyreen, placed on his previous two starts over hurdles and stepping up in trip, moved up to race handily on the final circuit and led after two out.
Racing lazily in front, he had to be kept up to his work by Kennedy to fend off market rival Kinturk Kalanisi by two and three quarter lengths.
“He stays strong, idled in front but when something came to him he went on again," said Kennedy.
"He lets you down a small bit with his jumping but I think he just loses concentration a little bit on a hurdle.
“Delighted for him to get off the mark.”
On reaching 100 winners for the season earlier, the Dingle native added: "Delighted to get it and big thanks obviously to Gordon, all his owners and also my agent Kevin O’Ryan.”
Quotes from Alan Magee