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Punchestown 2024
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Down Royal brace for Noel Kelly
Eagle Terrace and Dara McGill
© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from Gamigin (Gavin Brouder) earlier, Noel Kelly doubled up at Down Royal with Eagle Terrace (15/2 into 6/1) in the hands of Dara McGill in the Metacollect Handicap Chase.
Gavin Cromwell and Kieran Buckley were bidding for a three-timer here with favourite Evie's Vladimir, but he had to give best by a length and three parts to Eagle Terrace.
"They are two brothers (McGills) and they are two real good lads and good riders. They are well worth their claim," said Kelly.
"Oran probably would have ridden him only he is running out of rides this year. He burnt up a lot of rides on Cave Court! He'll be standing in there watching it and he's my main jockey. Dara is a good lad, a good rider with a cool head.
"I said to ride him to get into a place and if you get there, you get there. I think if you give those jockeys those instructions it works out better.
"Cheekpieces on today as we just thought he was a wee bit lairy the last day.
"We came here with confidence we would be in the first three."
D. Moloney, rider of Aliunde trained by Mark Michael McNiff, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. Aliunde, was subsequently examined by the I.H.R.B veterinary officer who could not confirm a burst vessel, he did however report the horse to have a wound on his right fore limb.
(MG & EM)