Slattery claims big win at Punchestown
Tipperary Racing Scene
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At the GAIN The Advantage Series 2025 launch are, from left: Philip Gilligan (GAIN Equine Nutrition), Clodagh Whelan (HRI), Templemore based trainer Andrew Slattery, Joanne Hurley (GAIN Equine Nutrition), Richard Fitzsimons. PicasaImage 2 of 4
All six champions for the 2024/2025 National Hunt season were confirmed at Punchestown on Saturday, from left: Tiernan Power Roche (Champion Conditional Jockey), Paul Townend (Champion Jockey), Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Patrick Mullins (Champion Amateur Jockey), Frank Berry, on behalf of JP McManus (Champion Owner), Jody Townend (Champion Female Amateur Jockey) and Willie Mullins (Champion Trainer). PHOTO: INPHO/Bryan Keane ©INPHO/Bryan KeaneImage 3 of 4
Simply Astounding (right) gets the better of Cape Sounion to win for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore at Naas. Photo: carolinenorris.ie CAROLINE NORRISImage 4 of 4
Two Stars (hooped cap) sees off My Mate Alfie to win for Fozzy Stack and Joey Sheridan at Naas. Photo: carolinenorris.ie CAROLINE NORRISTwo Stars added to his win at the Curragh in late March when taking the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Woodlands Stakes for Fozzy Stack and Joey Sheridan at Naas last week.
Leading after halfway in the five-furlong sprint, the 7/4 chance readily held Ger Lyons’ even money favourite My Mate Alfie by half a length.
Aidan O'Brien landed another impressive two-year-old success when the Ryan Moore-ridden Simply Astounding made a winning debut over five furlongs.
An 11/8 favourite, she led after halfway and raced to a one and a quarter-length victory over the Donnacha O'Brien-trained 7/4 shot Cape Sounion, the pair seven lengths clear of the third-place Glitter And Glory, trained by Jessica Harrington.
Joe Murphy won the eight-furlong handicap for three-year-olds with the Gary Carroll-ridden Shiota.
A 33/1 chance, she skipped a few lengths clear at the two-furlong pole and held off the late ruin of Aidan O'Brien’s favourite Mississippi River, ridden by Ryan Moore, by three-parts of a length.
Andy Slattery and Ben Coen landed the concluding the eight-furlong handicap with the four-year-old Harry The Rogue.
Owned by Seamus McGrath, the 7/1 shot led a furlong out and held off 10/1 chance Roderick by a neck.
In the colours of the For The Good Times Syndicate, the Andy Slattery-trained Dark Note won the Punchestown Charity Race on Friday.
Ridden by Sarah Costello, from Quin, Co. Clare, the strong 7/4 favourite got home by three-parts of a length from the Tony Martin-trained Presenting Max.
The newcomer Ceo Stealth Mode took the six-furlong median auction maiden at Sligo on Sunday.
Ridden by Billy Lee for trainer Paddy Twomey, the 8/11 favourite had an easy time of it as he beat the Noel Meade-trained 2/1 chance Chester Nimitz by four lengths.
Upcoming Fixtures
Tipperary – Thursday, May 8 (First race 5.05pm)
Downpatrick – Friday, May 9 (First race 4.50pm)
Ballinrobe – Friday, May 9 (First race 5.05pm)
Naas – Saturday, May 10 (First race 1.25pm)
Cork – Saturday, May 10 (First race 2.10pm)
Killarney – Sunday, May 11 (First race 1.00pm)
Leopardstown – Sunday, May 11 (First race 1.25pm)