Jack High appears a good deal

After the thrills of the four-day festival, the 2003-04 National Hunt season fizzles out somewhat at Punchestown today, but punters…

After the thrills of the four-day festival, the 2003-04 National Hunt season fizzles out somewhat at Punchestown today, but punters can still end the term on a high with Jack High in the Conyngham Cup.

The Ted Walsh-trained horse was a faller at Navan last time, but won at the same course previously and as a former double three-mile hurdle-winner today's extreme distance should hold less horror than for others in the field.

The pace over the four miles should place less pressure on Jack High's jumping which has been suspect in the past.

Willie Mullins made a late rush on Noel Meade's lead in the race for the trainers' championship, and his good festival form can continue at the track with Euro Leader in the novice hurdle.

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Ruby Walsh's mount was unlucky in his last start at the Fairyhouse festival when slipping up, but decent ground will suit and his 128 rating is better than the likes of GVA Ireland.

Walsh has chosen Major Burns from the Mullins trio in the opening hurdle, but new champion jockey Barry Geraghty is on Ulaan Baatar, who couldn't live with Sadlers Wings last time out.

Noel Meade and Niall Madden team up in both divisions of the bumper, and there will be plenty of interest in the reappearance of Dooley in the first leg and the McManus-owned horse can deal with Breach Of Trust today. Stick The Lowman, fifth to Willie The Shoe earlier in the week, can relish the extra distance in the Opportunity Hurdle.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column