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Punchestown 2024
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- Hughes surprised as Herbiegoesbananas
Michael Graham
Hughes surprised as Herbiegoesbananas
Sandra Hughes
© Photo Healy Racing
Another 33/1 outsider popped up in Roscommon when Herbiegoesbananas finished best to take the extended two and a half mile Martinstown Opportunity Maiden hurdle.
He didn't go unbacked as some punters availed of the 50/1 and 40/1 available as they backed him down to 33/1. Volvalien was nicely backed during the day from 11/1 down to an SP of 9/2. He led under Thomas Doran but the petrol began to run out after the second last as Herbiegoesbananas wore him down and got to the front.
Conor Brassil sent Herbiegoesbananas for home and once the pair negotiated the last they were home for all money as Volvalien tired and dropped to fourth on the run-in. He was passed by Rockey Storm (16/1) and Bomber Jackson (7/2) who took second and third respectively.
Trainer Sandra Hughes said: "That was a nice surprise but he is by Presenting and is very ground dependent and only got his ground now.
"I didn't think he was up to winning a maiden but he will be best when he goes chasing and will go chasing shortly." Captain Barbossa the 4/6 favourite, fell at the third last when almost on terms. His jockey, Donagh Meyler, was stood down with a sore left wrist.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes