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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Ontheropes finds his true calling at the jumps game
Ontheropes finds his true calling at the jumps game
Ontheropes (Ruby Walsh) has the measure of Spyglass Hill (Rachael Blackmore)
© Photo Healy Racing
For much of the final circuit the BetVictor Free Entry April 15th Maiden Hurdle concerned only two and it was favourite Ontheropes (5/4 out to 6/4) that eventually convincingly landed the spoils in race two at Tramore. Spyglass Hill (2/1 into 7/4) had to give best to the Cheveley Park Stud-owned and Willie Mullins-trained hurdling newcomer, Ontheropes, two out.
A point-to-point second placer for Denis Murphy in February 2018, and a subsequent 240,000 pound purchase by current connections, the Presenting gelding crossed the line with ten lengths in hand under Ruby Walsh. Acronym was all of forty five lengths back in third.
"He is a big green horse and he just wasn't sharp enough for bumpers but jumping is his game," said Mullins.
"He'll probably run in a few more novices hurdles, and then he might get a break before going over fences. Chasing will be his game.
"Hopefully he can win another hurdle before going over fences.
"He was well able to handle that ground."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Macgiloney trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.G. Hogan, rider of Macgiloney, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
(DM & EM)