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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Water Sprite powers home
Water Sprite approaches the winning post in Killarney
© Photo Healy Racing
Water Sprite (8/1) was much too strong for her 10 rivals in the mile and three handicap at Killarney.
Wayne Lordan guided her into contention with a quarter of a mile to go. She was ridden to challenge a furlong and a half out and grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck over a furlong from home.
She kept at it well in posting a three and a half length decision. Park Ranger could make no impression on her but came in second at 8/1.
Recent all-weather winner Mozetta was a length and a quarter further away in third at 5/1.
There was quite a gamble during the day on Rodger Sweeney's Daliyan who was ridden by Joseph O'Brien. From 14/1 his price tumbled to 9/2 favourite.
He was under pressure three and a half furlongs out and couldn't get on the pace. He kept on to be fourth.
Handler John Murphy said: "I thought Wayne was very good on her. He put her to sleep as we had the fear that she wouldn't stay. She certainly looked like she stayed there, and she could come back here in July."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee