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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Have A Nice Day just loves the Curragh
Have A Nice Day, far side, fends off the closers
© Photo Healy Racing
It was seven furlongs at the Curragh so it had to be Have A Nice Day as he made it four course and distance wins in the Killashee Handicap.
It was certainly a nice day for those that availed of the 13/2 available on the course specialist who also landed this race last year. An Saighdiur broke smartly to lead as 7lb-claimer David Simmonson and Have A Nice Day raced prominently in second.
The leader had all his rivals, bar Have A NIce Day, off the bridle approaching the final quarter of a mile.
As An Saighdiur came under a drive from Declan McDonogh, Have A Nice Day was ridden to collar them entering the final furlong.
Have A Nice Day maintained the gallop to close out the race by half a length and a neck from An Saighdiur (8/1) and Club Wexford (6/1)
Trainer Sabrina Harty said: “He loves the Curragh. He was very quiet at Fairyhouse but he lights up when he comes here. He's a fantastic horse for us.
“David Simmonson gave him a great ride. We haven't claimed off him for a long time and he's been running consistently.
“I thought our chance had gone with the rain last night, as he likes it quick but he stuck at it well.
“He's in the big seven furlong handicap at Galway but will need quick ground. He has run well in it before. If the ground holds up we'll have a crack at it.”
David Simmonson added: "That was unreal, I had my first Irish winner on him. He's a fairly consistent horse. He jumped and travelled great. I pushed the button and away he went.
"I was in England, I came back two years ago. He was my first winner when I came back and I had a winner in Leopardstown for my boss Michael O'Callaghan in the middle of last month. This is my third Irish winner. Hopefully I can keep going."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson