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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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Donal Murphy
Second favourite King comes out on top
5/4 shot Knockgraffon King got the better of market rival and Even money favourite Are Ya Right Chief in the Navan Golf Course Maiden Hurdle for his trainer Noel Meade with Paul Carberry aboard.
The winning son of Beneficial finished second on his hurdling debut over the course last month and before that had won his bumper at Naas in January of last year.
From the same family as the mighty Denman, Knockgraffon King made all and shrugged off the challenge of the favourite when joined by him entering the straight.
He kept on well from two out to score by three lengths from Are Ya Right Chief back in second while Dead End at 25/1 was a further twelve lengths back in third under Tommy Treacy.
Winning trainer Noel Meade said afterwards of his Hollyville Syndicate owned gelding: "I was very disappointed with him the last day but he probably needed the run a bit. He worked really well the other day.
"He is a three mile chaser in the making but it's so late in the season now we will wait until next year to go chasing with him.
"We will find a three mile winners hurdle for him now."