ROBBIE POWER’S REMARKABLE spell of winners continued as the Meath jockey added another Grade One triumph on day one of the Punchestown Festival.
In a shock defeat for Willie Mullins’ star Un De Sceaux (10/11f), Power steered Colin Tizzard’s second favourite Fox Norton (5-2) to glory in the Boylesports Champion Chase.
The victory comes fewer than six weeks after Power won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John in the same green and yellow colours of owners Alan and Ann Potts on St Patrick’s Day.
Un De Sceaux was previously unbeaten at the County Kildare track but finished almost two lengths off Fox Norton after being left behind at the final fence. Last year’s winner God’s Own (7/1) claimed third spot for trainer Tom George.
This afternoon’s win was Power’s seventh Grade One victory of the season, including the Prestbury Park showpiece, Melling Chase glory on Fox Norton at Aintree and Irish Grand National success on Jessica Harrington’s Our Duke eight days ago.
The result also denied Mullins a second Grade One win of the day after he had earlier claimed a one-two in the Champion Novice Hurdle with Cilaos Emery (8/1) and Melon (5/4f).
All eyes are on the battle between Mullins and Gordon Elliott at the Punchestown Festival this week as the trainers’ title goes down to the wire.
The Closutton handler trailed Elliott by €400,000 before the five-day festival began but with one win and three places this afternoon he has already reduced that gap by more than €140,000.
Noel Meade celebrated victory in the last Grade One of the day as Bryan Cooper guided Disko (13/8f) first past the post in the Champion Novice Chase.
Annibale Fly (3/1) was five lengths back in second for Tony Martin while Meade also claimed third-place honours with A Genie In Abottle (8/1).
Elliott’s sole victory of the day came in the Dooley Insurances Flat Race, Roaring Bull (25/1) picking up the win and the €9000 first prize.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
