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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Rawnaq out for more Bellewstown joy
Rawnaq out for more Bellewstown joy
The Matthew Smith-trained Rawnaq
© Photo Healy Racing
Course-specialist Rawnaq returns to Bellewstown for a crack at the ultra-competitive Fast Shipping Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle on Saturday evening.
Matthew Smith 's charge is two from two at the County Meath track and contests this two-mile-one-furlong heat in good heart having scored at Down Royal in June. Rock On Fruity who won his maiden at Kilbeggan, and Rupert Lamb off 10st 7lb with Ruby Walsh booked, will look to provide stern opposition. Marchese Marconi bids to step up on two runner-up finishes when he goes in the Bellewstown Golf Course Hurdle for Aidan O'Brien and Mark Walsh. The six-year-old is fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time.
Gordon Elliott, fresh from saddling seven winners between Bellewstown and Perth on Thursday, is represented by bottom-weight Vercingetorix who has to be on the shortlist. Gold Class might get his turn in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Robbie Hennessy 's four-year-old gelding has never won over jumps but enters the fray after placed efforts in big field handicap hurdles at Clonmel and Down Royal.
Hennessy also runs Santo Prince in the Woods Financial Services Maiden Hurdle.
This son of Henrythenavigator should be on the premises but Jessica Harrington's Flaviana who is fitted with a hood, might take advantage of the mares' allowance.
Elliott's Ultimate Horseman has to give weight away in the Western Motors Commercial Vehicles Maiden Hurdle over three miles. Grangeclare Rosa in receipt of 15lb, is the one to beat after being pipped by a head in Wexford.
The Sean Rothwell Construction Handicap Hurdle is an open affair with recent winners Phangio and Keep Swinging likely to be popular. Walsh is a notable booking for point-to-point winner Quiet Account
An excellent bumper is in store with Roconga Supreme Vinnie and Tesseracht all coming here with a number one beside their names. Elliott newcomer Hold Hard is also thrown into the mix.