Having had to play bridesmaid to Wicklow Brave on succession occasions this summer, including in Grade 3 company at the Galway Races in August, Jan Maat gained compensation in the form of a Grade 3 success of his own in the Buck House Novices’ Chase at Punchestown on Wednesday.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge was sent off as a 2/1 shot in the 2m 2f contest, which saw three of the four runners jump off the in the Gigginstown House Stud silks of Michael O’Leary.
One of that trio was fellow point-to-point graduate Daly Tiger, the short-priced favourite, however he was the first depart when the saddle on the six-year-old slipped after the third fence leaving Mark Walsh with no option but to pull him up, leaving Jan Maat with the advantage.
From that point, the ex-Cormac Doyle Bartlemy point-to-point runner-up, remained at the head of affairs, and despite being challenged at the second last, the German-bred son of Electric Beat found plenty to repel all challengers, and ultimately record a comfortable seven and a half length victory over Willie Mullins’ Cool Colonnade.
“Obviously it was made a bit easier, but he jumped great and it’s lovely to win a Grade Three. He’s done really well and deserved to win one,” said the winning trainer when speaking to Racing TV following the success.
“He came up against Wicklow Brave a couple of times, and hopefully he’ll keep progressing over fences.
“The Craddockstown is a possibility, but we’ll see what everyone wants to do. He has been busy and on the go since the summer. Ground would also be important to him.”
