Image © Healy Racing
Asphalt Cowboy bounced back to form from a below-par effort in the Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival by getting up late on to claim the Dennison Commercials Hunter Chase.
Asphalt Cowboy bounced back to form from a below-par effort in the Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival by getting up late on to claim the Dennison Commercials Hunter Chase.
The Sonny Carey-trained seven-year-old had gained a dramatic victory at the course in late March, when his regular pilot, Michael Sharpe, did extremely well to remain aboard, after the saddle had slipped following the final fence.
There were no such difficulties on this occasion, as stepping up in trip for this marathon three and a half mile contest, it was Gorthilll, a horse trained by the sponsor’s daughter Caroline McCaldin, who cut out much of the running.
Asphalt Cowboy was produced with his challenge on the run-in, and the cheek-piece fitted son of Getaway battled his way to the front inside the final 150 yards before idling somewhat close home to win snugly.
The margin at the line was just a neck with the Bishopscourt Cup-third, Eyes Off Annie a further three lengths back in third.
“I’m delighted with him,” Sharpe said. "Thankfully it wasn’t as dramatic as last time, but happy out with the horse.
“As soon as he hit the front up the hill he put the ears forward and said ‘Alright, I’ve done my job’, but before he hit the front, he locked on up the hill and I knew he was going to get there.”
“He loves it around here, it suits him,” Carey added. “He is a lovely horse, that is four now that he is after winning for us after we have got him, it will keep the wife happy!”
