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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Kite lands Midlands National
Kite lands Midlands National
Golden Kite landed the spoils in a dramatic finish to the Gigginstown House Midlands National at Kilbeggan. Classic Frontier led them to the last in the €50,000 event as a loose horse played havoc up front.
He was strongly pressed at the final fence by both Golden Kite and Decoy Daddy when crashing out under Andrew McNamara.
Brian O'Connell drove Golden Kite to the front and he jinked right, coming across Decoy Daddy.
Adrian Maguire 's charge was strongest in the finish, going on to score by a length-and-a-half from his rival.
A stewards enquiry was quickly called but punters breathed a sigh of relief as the placings remained unaltered.
The winner was well-backed on course from 8/1 into 11/2 joint favourite with Classic Frontier.
"Brian gave him a great ride. The horse is a gentleman and the owner is a gentleman also," said a delighted Maguire afterwards.
"He's a dying breed amongst owners. He let's you concentrate on doing the job and doing best by the horse.
"This horse has been a great servant from day one. He's an easy horse to train. It's a great success.
"Things have been quiet during the summer and it's nice to get a big one. He has an entry in the Galway Plate but today was the day and we'll see how he comes out of this."