Warren Greatrex’s Bill Baxter led home a one-two-three for the British raiders when striking in the Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase on the final day of the Punchestown Festival.
The winning trainer is no stranger to success in Ireland and indeed this meeting, with his One Track Mind scooping Grade One honours at Punchestown in 2016.
The Lambourn handler was out of luck with his first two runners at the Kildare track this week, but his admirable nine-year-old ensured he heads home with more riches from the Emerald Isle having seen off Anthony Honeyball’s Jasmin De Grugy and the Jonjo and AJ O’Neill-trained Beachcomber.
“We’ve always been keen to come here if we have the right sort of horse,” said Greatrex.
“This horse has just been a star for us. He won the Topham two years ago and has found it hard since then, but he was on a dangerous mark today.
“He came over on Tuesday and he’s a horse that loves going on a trip, like I do. He’s thrived since he’s been here. He was squealing in the morning.
“He almost ups his game when he goes away and we knew we had him in good shape.”
Although Sean and James Bowen had steered Keep Running and Herakles Westwood respectively earlier in the meeting, it was left to Harry Bannister to partner 12-1 chance Bill Baxter in this Listed event.
“I was a bit worried about the ground, but Harry’s given him a great ride,” continued Greatrex.
“He does like soft ground, but as I said he was on a dangerous mark and he’s gone and done it so it’s brilliant.
“I’m all for having a go and it’s important that we all have a go if we have the right sort of horse. It pays off every now and then. It’s what it’s all about, competition is good.”