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Punchestown 2024
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Mark Nunan
Louisiana schools nursery rivals on handicap bow
Louisiana (centre) and Donnacha O'Brien
© Photo Healy Racing
Topweight of 9st 11lbs and an opening handicap mark of 91 were no barriers to success whatsoever to Louisiana (4/5 fav) as he completed quick doubles for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien in the Thurles Nursery over a mile.
Like on his first winner of the afternoon, Peaceful the winning rider adopted a prominent position from the outset.
He asked the full-brother to The Gurkha to go and win his race early in the straight, from where he galloped away for a four and three quarter length win from In From The Cold (6/1). Chrysalism (9/2) was a further neck away in third place.
The winner had shown a good level of form in three placed runs in maidens, and outclassed his six rivals here.
“He is a grand horse, said Donnacha O’Brien after his 93rd winner of the season, and is still quite raw and a bit green.
"I thought he made a big step up from his race at Listowel to the Curragh and I really liked him at the Curragh and he ran to his ability today.
"I'd imagine he'll be a Group horse now and he'll be better next year as well."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes