Carnage in the Sporting Life Beginners Chase
Carnage in the Sporting Life Beginners Chase

WATCH: Sporting Life Beginners Chase report as several horses carried out at Punchestown


There was high drama in Sunday's Sporting Life Beginners Chase at Punchestown after several horses were carried out at the same fence.


Victory in the two miles, six and a half furlong event ultimately went to Owl Creek Bridge, but winning jockey Conor McNamara would be the first to admit he was more than shade fortunate.

The carnage began at the very first fence when 7/2 favourite Ensel Du Perche fell, bringing down Good Luck Hope (1001) and Half Shot (11/1) in the process.

But that was a minor incident compared to what occurred at fence seven.

Jack Fiasco - a well-fancied 9/2 chance under Robbie Power - led but was closely attended by a couple of the loose horses, who both decided they didn't fancy taking the jump, veering left on the approach and taking the leader with them.

Another fancied runner - Gordon Elliott's Hell On Earth (4/1) was minding his business on the outside along with Cappacon (33/1) but as the leader was carried out stage left, the pair were taken with him (and the loose horses) in what proved to be a mid-race, mass exodus.

Those who stuck to the inside benefitted from a dream run and, as a result, Owl Creek Bridge was gifted the lead as only seven went on from an initial 14-runner field.

To his credit, Owl Creek Bridge kept up the gallop, jumping especially well at the head of affairs and, after Miss Cedille fell three-out, his task became even easier as eventually he powered home by 12 lengths from Favori Logique (15/2) and another six back to Casamari Abbey (33/1).

Only six horses came home with riders intact.

McNamara, who was riding for his father and trainer, Eric, said: "There was plenty of drama going on the whole way, and he had to make his own running after nearly half the field were taken out at the one after the stands.

“He jumped electric, and it’s good to get a beginners. He didn’t beat a whole pile – but a win is a win.”

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