Punchestown off to a flying start for Tattersalls Ireland with a Grade 1 Double

Grade 1 victory for Derby Sale purchase DON’T TOUCH IT

In a thrilling finish of the Grade 1 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle, the Jessica Harrington trained Derby Sale graduate DON’T TOUCH IT rallied on strong in the closing stages to win the contest by half a length. The six-year-old son of Scorpion in the hands of Barry Geraghty for owner JP McManus had a maiden win to his name and a string of placings behind some well regarded horses but today maintained advantage to win the race.

DON’T TOUCH IT, bred by Michael Ryan, was sold as a foal at the 2010 November National Hunt Sale by Ballincurrig House Stud to JJ Frisby for €4,500 before being reoffered as a three-year-old at the 2013 Derby Sale by Glenwood Stud and selling to his trainer Jessica Harrington for €30,000. 

Grade 1 Glory goes to GOD’S OWN

Following on from his recent Grade 1 win at Aintree, Tom George’s GOD’S OWN maintained his winning form to land the Grade 1 Boylesports Champion Chase in the hands of Paddy Brennan. GOD’S OWN jumped well throughout the race, relished the Punchestown track and won the race two lengths ahead of his opposition.

GOD’S OWN went through the ring at the 2008 November National Hunt Sale when offered by Milltownpark Stud and sold to Tom Kiely for €8,800. Following his Point to Point performance as a four-year-old, GOD’S OWN was sold at the 2012 Cheltenham May Sale to his trainer Tom George for £62,000 by Silverfort Stud. 

Cilaos Emery wins Four-Year-Old Bumper

Cilaos Emery showed class and ability when winning the concluding race on day one of the Punchestown Festival, the Donohue Marquees Four-Year-Old Bumper. The Califet gelding was snapped up by agent Harold Kirk as a foal at the 2012 November National Hunt Sale when he purchased the winner for just €7,200 from Galbertstown Stud.

The Derby Sale takes place on June 22 and 23 with Part II of the sale on June 24. The catalogue will be available in the coming weeks and the team at Tattersalls Ireland are available to assist with any queries, travel and accommodation requirements to make your visit to the sale as hassle-free as possible. Please contact us at the Tattersalls Ireland office.