Fortunedefortunata survives late scare to land Punchestown spoils

Elsewhere on the card, Jade De Grugy outclassed her four rivals in the Grade Three BetVictor Quevega Mares Hurdle

STAYING POWER: Fortunedefortunata and Jake Coen win the QuinnBet Grand National Trial at Punchestown on Thursday. Picture: Healy Racing

Fortunedefortunata spearheaded a 1-2-3 for Gordon Elliott and provided his trainer with a fourth successive win in the €100,000 QuinnBet Grand National Trial as Irish racing resumed, after the tragic death and funeral of Michael O’Sullivan, in Punchestown.

The eight-year-old, breaking his duck over fences at the fourth attempt, had mastered stablemate Will Do when blundering badly at the last before rallying on the run-in to triumph by two and a quarter lengths, the pair pulling 13 lengths clear of Favori De Champdou.

Sent off at 14-1, Fortunedefortunata gave rider Jake Coen his biggest win since deciding to concentrate on jumps action.

Ian Amond, representing Elliott, said: “He’s not a bad horse and is owned by a bunch of local lads from Summerhill, so Gordon will be happy. He had a light weight and likes that ground. He did well to get back up after the mistake at the last. It’s great for Jake — hopefully, things will pick up for him now.” 

Fortunedefortunata was the first leg of a double for Cullentra, completed when the Sam Ewing-ridden Cardcounter turned over favourite Dr Eggman in the Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Maiden Hurdle.

Having her first run since bagging a Grade One at Fairyhouse last Easter, Jade De Grugy (5-6 favourite) defied top-weight and outclassed her four rivals in the Grade Three BetVictor Quevega Mares Hurdle to spark a treble for Willie Mullins.

Paul Townend’s mount stretched clear to beat Mousey Brown by six lengths, prompting Mullins to comment: “That was a nice comeback to racing. She has been working nicely and showed here what she has been showing me at home, carrying that weight against nice opposition.

“I was happy coming here and she should improve a fair bit from today’s race and will be ready for the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.” 

Mullins and Paul Townend had earlier landed the QuinnBet Beginners Chase with 8-15 favourite High Class Hero, who outpointed front-running stable-companion Loughglynn by less than three lengths.

“He did it nicely,” said Mullins. “The ground is quite testing and there were fences omitted. It was nothing spectacular, but I’m happy enough. He would look the right type for the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham.” 

Mullins completed a fine treble and produced another contender for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham when Gameofinches, confidently handled by Patrick, coasted to victory in the Racing TV-sponsored bumper.

Never out of second gear, the massive Blue Bresil gelding looks an exciting prospect and pleased his trainer, who said: “His homework has been nice and he did what I was hoping he’d do, so I’m very happy with him. He’s a six-year-old and a real chasing type, so he might go straight chasing next season.” 

The most poignant result of the day came in the listed Madigan Group Irish EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle as 4-6 favourite William Munny, ridden for Barry Connell by Sean Flanagan, bolted up by 15 lengths from The Great Nudie.

"Firstly, we’re all thinking of Michael (O’Sullivan) and his family today,” said an emotional Connell. “This horse has the lot — he’s been doing everything wrong over hurdles, being way too keen and making mistakes, but he put it all together today.

“He has so much natural ability. And this was his last piece of work before the Supreme. He has put himself right in the picture and I wouldn’t swap him.” 

The Gavin Cromwell-trained grey Springt De La Mare (Keith Donoghue) made it two-from-two over fences when mastering the Mullins pair Western Diego and Rath Gaul Boy in the opening Concept colours Rated Novice Chase.

“He looked like being a very smart horse when he won his bumper but lost his way,” commented Cromwell. “He couldn’t win a maiden hurdle and is a much better chaser. That was a good performance — he travelled and jumped really well. He won’t be an easy horse to place, but he’s going the right way.” 

Prophets Corner delivered for the Allen brothers in the David Trundley Novice Handicap Hurdle, with Darragh guiding the eight-year-old, a first track success for his trainer/brother Seán, to a convincing, all-the-way win over fellow 5-2 joint-favourite Duffys Hodey.