Punchestown swansong for Sublimity
He was trained by John Carr, for owner, Bill Hennessy, and partnered by Philip Carberry when scoring at Cheltenham.
A somewhat surprise winner, the 16-1 shot quickened in style from the final flight to cut down the legendary Brave Inca to the tune of three lengths.
Later on the training of Sublimity was taken over by Hennessy’s son, Robbie, who said yesterday: “He was my first runner when narrowly beaten in the Fighting Fifth (Newcastle) by Punjabi, who went on to win the Champion Hurdle that season.
“He was also my first winner as a trainer in a Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown and that’s before you mention the thrill we got from winning the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle as owners.
“The horse is now 11 years old and has had his fair share of problems, so we would love to finish him up while he is still in relatively good shape.
“He will spend his retirement with us and his days will be kept busy as a work partner and lead horse.
“Horses like Sublimity are one in a million and, while it is sad to see him finish up, we are looking forward to Rubi Light next season.”
He was originally purchased at the Tattersalls October sales as a yearling in 2001 for 210,000 guineas. Michael Stoute trained him on the flat, before Robbie Hennessy purchased Sublimity for 32,000 guineas.
He was then sent to Carr’s Kildare yard and won nine races in total.
Meanwhile, the flat programme scheduled for Fairyhouse next Wednesday evening, June 1, has been transferred to Tipperary.
The ground available at Fairyhouse has not recovered sufficiently from the Irish Grand National meeting.
