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Punchestown 2024
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Gary Carson
Rubi routs rivals in Red Mills
Rubi Light and Andrew Lynch jump the last ditch
© Photo Healy Racing
Rubi Light proved a different class as he made all for an effortless success in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park.
The 2/5 favourite stretched clear of his rivals leaving the back straight in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
The field were soon struggling and couldn't make an impression on the hotpot.
There was a slight scare for Andrew Lynch at the second last as his mount got low and parted the birch but he soon recovered his composure.
Robbie Hennessy 's charge didn't need to come off the bridle as he sauntered to a 16-length success in the Grade Two contest, repeating his victory last year. Chicago Grey proved the best of the rest as he grabbed the runner-up spot, with Apt Approach six-lengths back in third.
It was a drop back in trip for the French-bred after chasing home Synchronised in the Lexus on his last outing and the Ryanair Chase is now the target.
"He was a long-time in front and it was like a schooling session for him," said Hennessy.
"He just popped around and was very good - he'll be even better with a bit of company.
"Andrew was very impressed with him. He made the rest look very ordinary.
"When Andrew got off him after Cheltenham last year he said he wouldn't want the ground any faster. By the Friday the ground would have been too fast for him.
"If we get soft ground in the Ryanair we'll be laughing and we'll be praying for a bit of rain."
The winner is now 5/1 from 6/1 for the Ryanair with Boylesports while he remains 5/1 favourite with Stan James.
It was a quick double on the card for Lynch, who had also claimed the opening beginners chase on Harpsy Cord