Punchestown report: Latest Exhibition warms to task on chasing debut after early scares

The Paul Nolan-trained Latest Exhibition had some classy rivals to contend with

Wed, 28 Oct, 2020 - 21:50

Tommy Lyons

Punchestown hosted a high-class midweek card today and Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Latest Exhibition topped the bill with his chasing debut in the Betdaq Virtual Beginners’ Chase, though Maxine O’Sullivan’s ride on Dreal Deal in the Ladies’ Handicap Hurdle was as exceptional as the horse’s recent progress has been, and young jockey Mikey McGuane deserves immense for his maiden victory on just his second ride.

The Paul Nolan-trained Latest Exhibition had some classy rivals to contend with in the beginners’ chase and, after making a slight mistake at the first two, could have been forgiven for not getting through. However, he warmed to the task well under Bryan Cooper and, despite jumping left on occasion, he picked up well in the closing stages to beat School Boy Hours by a couple of lengths.