Enda Bolger continued his fantastic record in the Ladies Cup when saddling the first two horse’s home in the 2019 renewal of the Punchestown Festival opener.
Ray Barron was aboard the successful Blue Templar, who was breaking his maiden here in the colours of JP McManus.
Having been given a postive ride, the eight-year-old saved every yard down the rail before hitting the front after the penultimate obstacle, staying on well to win by two and a half lenghts.
Favourite Youcantbeserious filled the runner-up berth for the same connections, almost overcoming a long layoff under Derek O’Connor.
The Philp Rothwell trained Singing Banjo ran a huge race in third, with Ballinasilla and Enniskillen filling the fourth and fifth spot respectively.
“It was brilliant, he lights up over the banks. You couldn’t be riding over them for a better fella in Enda (Bolger), so it makes my job a lot easier, and it’s also great to ride a winner for Mr McManus," said an understandably delighted winning rider.
"He travelled everywhere for me and I was just trying to fill him up where I could he was travelling so well that we ere making ground everywhere, he just really loves this game.
"Enda (Bolger) had me well tutored. He knows this place like the back of his hand and there is no better mentor than him to tell me to down the inner or where to be cutting corners and what hand to be having my stick in at places, so I’m just very grateful to him and Mr McManus for giving me the opportunity.
I have had a couple of go’s around here, but it’s great to get a bit of luck, it means a lot to me. This is where you want winners, it is the highlight of the year and it is great to get it here now.
"If this lad comes out of it okay, Enda might run him again in the La Touche or on Saturday, so hopefully I’ll have a couple of spins this week," added Limerick native Barron.
The winning handler also commented: “I just said to the owner he’s a patient man – an eight year-old maiden! The other horse is classier but the experience around here told.We’ll see how he is but he may come here for the La Touche on Thursday."
Enda Bolger strikes again over the banks! Blue Templar leads home a 1-2 for the trainer in the opening contest of the 2019 Punchestown Festival pic.twitter.com/4S7bJFzPFF
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 30, 2019
