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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Versatile Dream gets an Irish win on the board
Versatile Dream gets an Irish win on the board
Lucent Dream prevails under Robbie Downey
© Photo Healy Racing
Commander Won put it to his rivals going clear off the front end but Lucent Dream (20/1) came home best to triumph in the Windsor Bar & Restaurant Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.
The Thomas Sherry-ridden Commander Won had no more to give inside the last and the patiently ridden Lucent Dream steamed past to score for John McConnell and Robbie Downey.
Another 'finisher,' Duke Of Waspington was a length and a quarter back in second, and the aforementioned Commander Won was a head off them in third.
"I think it was set up for him as they went so quick in front and then stopped," said McConnell.
"He was ridden conservatively and it played into his hands. He's a good horse, he has plenty of ability, and that's his fourth win.
"I don't know where we'll go from here. We were considering going hurdling but at this stage of his life I think we'll stick to the Flat with him. He's seven now.
"He could probably run well in a good handicap off a low weight. He travels very well.
"That's his first win at this trip so it opens up a few more possibilities. We thought he might be slightly better on turf but he's won on tapeta, won on this and has won on turf so he seems to win on everything."
D.M. Redmond, rider of Uncle Henry trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled at any stage during this race.
The Stewards interviewed K.J. Leonard, rider of Carried concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that K.J. Leonard was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency.
Having taken his previous record into consideration the Stewards suspended K.J. Leonard for 2 racedays.
(GC & EM)