Irish Panther pounces to take out favourite Kopek

HANG ON: Irish Panther and Kieren Buckley cruise to victory for trainers Eddie and Patrick Harty in the Barberstown Castle Chase, yesterday at Naas. Pic: Healy Racing

Irish Panther proved too strong for red-hot favourite Kopek Des Bordes in the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas.

Dual Grade One-winning hurdler Kopek Des Bordes only ran three times over fences last season, but may well have won the Arkle at Cheltenham in March but for a final fence blunder and looked poised to score at Punchestown the following month when falling two from home.