The Brass Man made his return from a mid-season break when coming out on top in the P2P.ie point-to-point bumper in the hands of Patrick Mullins for his aunt Mags.
The five-year-old was sent off as the even-money favourite, as he had done for his only previous outing between the flags when third in a four-year-old geldings’ maiden at Tattersalls Farm, however despite facing a much depleted field with a number of his likely principal dangers bring withdrawn due to the ground, the son of Milan still faced a strong challenge throughout much of the home straight.
Pat Doyle had saddled Silver Hallmark, the horse that defeated him at Tattersalls Farm before Christmas, and it was one of his representatives who provided the short-priced favourite with a stiff challenge, as his Quakerstown runner-up Jack Thunder held every chance under Punchestown double winning jockey Ray Barron throughout much of the closing stages, before The Brass Man began to extend inside the closing stages.
The Brass Man ultimately prevailed by two and-a-half lengths, with a further two lengths back to last month’s Dromahane winner Doyen Dancer, who put up a respectable showing for the Denis Hogan team having failed to change hands in the sales ring following his points success.
Banner Rebel, Carrigmoorna Pine and Groody Rover were all withdrawn due to the going, leaving a field of nine that faced the starter.
