Newmill rolls back the years

John Murphy’s 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill (11-2) proved there is still plenty of life in him yet with a battling display in the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

Now a 12-year-old, Newmill took advantage of Kauto Star’s fall all those years ago but went on to show that was no fluke by following up at the Punchestown Festival.

It may be nearly three years since his last win, in the Red Mills Hurdle, but he refused to give up the advantage gained by Eddie Power’s positive manoeuvre a mile out.

Snowy Morning looked a real threat all the way up the straight but could never get on terms and went down by three lengths.

“He’s been in good form all year but I didn’t think he would go in that ground. I walked it and thought it was very gluey,” said Murphy.

“Eddie Power was outstanding on him. He didn’t think there was much pace on so decided to make it a bit of a gallop.

“He rides him at home and knew he was fit. He settles better nowadays.

“Probably age is against him for any of the top stuff but I’ll talk to the owners and see what they’d like to do.

“He’s in great form and very sound so there’s no reason to put him out in a field.”