Lord Killucan wins in Punchestown
Lord Killucan got punters off to a flying start on day three of the Punchestown Festival with success in the KFM Hunters Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup.
The heavily-backed 11-10 favourite made all in the hands of Robbie McNamara and pinged the final couple of fences to collect by five and a half lengths from Gleneric.
Trainer Mick Halford said: "He jumps well and he stays so there was no point hanging around.
"He was green when we ran him in bumpers but schooling him has brought out the best in him and he has done it well.
Spot Thedifference maintained Enda Bolger's exceptional record in the La Touche Cup with a thrilling victory in the Avon Ri Corporate & Leisure Resort-sponsored marathon.
Bolger was winning the unique contest for the 10th successive year as his popular 14-year-old gelding proved too streetwise for his opponents to justify favouritism at 7-4.
Also successful here in 2004, Spot Thedifference gradually moved into contention and swung for home with a narrow lead over eventual third Star Performance.
Pricking his ears before the last, the JP McManus-owned gelding jumped it safely and kept up the gallop to see off stablemate and 9-1 chance Freneys Well by four and a half lengths to the delight of the packed grandstand.
Bolger said: "That was great. He is a brilliant horse and I have been very lucky to have had the support of JP (McManus) over the years.
"I was hopeful coming here, but these are novelty races and anything can happen. He had a good man on board though and he has plenty of stamina, which is the main thing.
"I was worried at one stage when he was so far back, but the banks slow horses down and once he got into fourth place and was finishing I thought he would be there at the end.
"This is all down to Spot and he has been a great horse for me.
"He might be 14-years-old, but he loves being in training and he loves people - apart from vets - so I don't see why we should stop with him."
McManus added: "I have had him since he was five and I have been lucky to have him.
"I have had some good horses and they have all been special, but he is very special.
"He had top weight and had to dig deep, but he enjoyed himself out there and loved the ovation he got.
"I am just pleased to be involved with him."
Punjabi gained a deserved Grade One success in the Ballymore Properties Champion 4-Y-O Hurdle - but had to fight hard to see off the persistent challenge of Financial Reward.
Nicky Henderson's 6-4 favourite acquitted himself with great credit at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals but ultimately came up short behind impressive youngster Katchit.
Taking advantage of the absence of Alan King's star, Punjabi was always travelling smoothly and ranged upsides the eventual runner-up on the approach to the penultimate flight.
Despite looking to be going best, Fitzgerald held on to his mount until asking for everything soon after the last.
Financial Reward (8-1) fought bravely on the far rail but Punjabi was always just winning the argument and passed the post with three-quarters of a length to spare.
Patrick Flynn's 5-1 shot Bahrain Storm stuck on well to claim third.
