Search
Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
- irishracing.com
- Punchestown
- News
- Universally charges home to land sprint handicap
Gary Carson
Universally charges home to land sprint handicap
Universally and Niall McCullagh
© Photo Healy Racing
Universally came with a late charge to land the spoils in the NFP Handicap for trainer Eoghan O'Neill.
The action looked to be on the far side as Never Shout Never and Mint Man fought it out entering the final furlong but Niall McCullagh delivered his mount with a strong run on the stand's side.
The 12/1 shot got on top late on to grab Mint Man and record a length-and-a-quarter success.
“As long as he gets the splits he always finishes the race,” said O'Neill.
“He's been in great form, he needed a couple of runs to get him started early in the year but he's flying since.
“He's a full-brother to Garrus, who has been running in Group 1s for Charlie Hills. Not that he's a Garrus but he's improving with age.
“Ground is key to him, he needs to get his toe in. We've been waiting for that and the forecast was that it was going to rain.
“I'm hoping to take him and No Niki No over for the Racing League meeting at Chepstow on August 8th.”