Winters unleashes another impressive newcomer in Knocknanuss

In-form handler Michael Winters must have felt like Bill Murray’s character in the widely-acclaimed film Groundhog Day at yesterday’s well-attended Killeagh Harriers point-to-point meeting as, for the second Sunday running, he struck with a hugely-exciting newcomer that had many of those present searching for previously unused superlatives.

At Aghabullogue the previous weekend, Winters introduced For Carmel whilst yesterday, the Kanturk-based operator sent out the well-touted Knocknanuss (11/10) to record a scintillating success in the truly-run five-year-old geldings’ maiden. The Beneficial-sired Knocknanuss always travelled with purpose for Ciaran Fennessy and he led from the seventh of the 14 obstacles, going clear after three out.

Whilst Paul Cashman’s runner-up Go Long closed on the descent into the home straight before two out, Knocknanuss still won with consummate ease by two and a half lengths despite losing some momentum at the final fence. Knocknansusss is shared by Rebel Fitz’s owner Brian Sweetman with Londoner Garry Brown, who incidentally acquired the close relation to 1995 Cheltenham bumper winner Dato Star at the 2013 Goffs Land Rover sale.