JESSICA HARRINGTON AND Robbie Power continued their sensational run of form as Sizing John came out on top in a thrilling finish to the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup champion was sent off the 9/10 favourite but was up against it as he jumped the final fence virtually neck and neck with Djakadam and early pace-setter Coneygree.
But just as Djakadam looked to have the edge over the final yards in the hands of Ruby Walsh, Power drove Sizing John to the line and got up to win the photo finish by a short head.
“There was no hiding place out there,” Power admitted afterwards. “I was never that happy.
“Fair play to the horse. He’s only a seven-year-old and he had to dig deep. I was all out, but he’s a very good horse.”
Earlier on Wednesday, outsider Champagne Classic won the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle, part of a double for Gordon Elliot who further stretched his advantage over Willie Mullins in the trainers’ championship when Cheltenham bumper winner Fayonagh won the final Grade 1 of the day, the Champion INH Flat Race.
Punchestown – Wednesday’s Results
- 15.40 – 1. Magic of Light (11/1) 2. Blast of Koeman (13/2 2fav) 3. A Rated (16/1) 4. Fridaynightlights (16/1)
- 16.20 – 1. C’est Jersey (7/1) 2. Battleford (6/4 fav) 3. Burgas (10/1)
- 16.55 – 1. Champagne Classic (14/1) 2. Penhill (2/1 fav) 3. Tin Soldier (8/1)
- 17.30 – 1. Sizing John (9/10 fav) 2. Djakadam (5/2 2fav)
- 18.05 – 1. Fayonagh (11/8 fav) 2. Paloma Blue (12/1)
- 18.40 – 1. Sizing Granite (14/1) 2. Viconte du Noyer (25/1) 3. Irish Cavalier (12/1)
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