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Punchestown 2024
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Donal Murphy
Favourite Rosie outdone by Benny
Snugsborough Benny (outside) and Rosie Alice race away from the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Snugsborough Benny recorded his third win from his last four starts as he got the better of Rosie Alice in the Broderick's Electrical Handicap Hurdle.
The Liam Cusack trained point-to-point winner recorded his first track success at Tipperary in May, before finishing fourth at Limerick on his next start.
He got back to winning ways at Greenmount Park on July 27th, and was sent off at 3/1 to follow-up this evening.
Having raced mainly in rear under Richie Deegan, the son of Beneficial took closer order from the second last, and soon went third.
He came with his challenge on the outer before the final flight, and had a good battle with Rosie Alice from there, getting on top in the closing stages, going on to score by half a length.
The runner-up was returned the 6/4 favourite (from 2s on-course) under Paul Townend for Charles Byrnes.
The front two went nine and a half lengths clear of Steamboat Quay in third.
Cusack said afterwards: "He's a horse that's going forward which is very nice and I'm delighted to have him.
"When I walked the track I was a bit nervous. They were giving it as yielding but west of Ireland yielding and Fairyhouse yielding is different. You were just kind of sinking in it a little bit.
"He handled it well. I just told Richie to take his time and he gave him a lovely ride and arrived nicely. He was always just holding the other horse.
"When I looked at the program there wasn't too much coming up for him and you're limited enough. I was glad to see the rain because it's a sharp track around here but the trip suited.
"It worked out well but the race cut up a bit. This horse is game and will make a nice chaser. He's going the right way."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Buster Dan Dan trained by Terence O'Brien was lame on his right hind leg post race.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson