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Review punchestown 4th May

Wed 4th May 2011, 19:10

< Follow The Plan ran out a fortunate winner of the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.< Roberto Goldback was in command when a final-fence mistake sent Robbie Power into orbit, allowing Oliver McKiernan's 20-1 chance to cruise home under Tom Doyle, crossing the line 11 lengths in front of Vic Venturi

But the story of the race was the uncharacteristically lacklustre display of 10-11 favourite Kauto Star who was the first one beaten and pulled up by Ruby Walsh as early as the back straight.

Willie Mullins' Lovethehigherlaw (8-1) claimed the notable scalp of Waaheb in the betchronicle.com Champion INH Flat Race.

The latter was sent off 15-8 market leader to stretch his unbeaten record to four in the colours of JP McManus for the first time, and he cruised to the front approaching the home turn.

Lovethehigherlaw was hot on his heels, however, and even though Waaheb battled valiantly, he was still a short head in arrears as they flashed past the post.

Mullins followed up when Scotsirish (7-1) gave Ruby Walsh some compensation for Kauto Star's defeat in the valuable Guinness Handicap Chase, although he was lucky because stable companion Apt Approach was in charge when capsizing at the last.

Tony McCoy celebrated his 37th birthday by giving David Pipe his first winner in Ireland on Street Entertainer in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle.

The 11-4 shot swept to the front rounding the turn but had to be kept up to his work to see off Magical Memoir by four lengths.

Pipe then had to settle for third when Battle Group faded in the home straight in the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle.

At the business end, Colin Bowe's battle-hardened mare Askanna (33-1) showed excellent resolution, staying on well to inflict a two-length defeat on Mossey Joe

Top weight proved no hindrance to Oneeightofamile (12-1) as David Splaine steered him to a comprehensive 12-length success in the Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle.