ROCK OF AGES FOR NICKY AND ENGLISH CREW

NICKY HENDERSON struck a blow for the English raiders at Punchestown yesterday as Marie’s Rock bagged the Grade 1 Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle.

Only the second English-trained horse to win at the top level in Ireland this season, Marie’s Rock (above) was following up her Mares Hurdle triumph at Cheltenham.

For much of the race it looked as if this prize could be staying at home as Stormy Ireland made a bold bid.

She still held the lead at the last but Marie’s Rock and fellow Hendersontrained runner Epatante closed in.

Nico de Boinville eventually got Marie’s Rock to the front and the sevenyear-old went on to score by a length and a quarter.

“This mare has plenty of pace and she stays well and when you have both of those qualities you are usually in good shape,” said Henderson (below).

“The race was run at a strong gallop and it was a stamina test which really suited Marie’s Rock, stamina is her forte.

“I thought two years ago she was a very good mare but then she went missing last season. She is back now though and she will stay in training again next season,” added the trainer.

There was further joy for the English raiders as the Philip Hobbs-trained Camprond landed the €100,000 Totesponsored handicap hurdle.

The 4/1 chance took charge before the last flight to score by three lengths under Aiden Coleman.

Camprond was one of two winners on the day for J.P. McManus who made it 19 champion owner titles in Ireland. The last Grade 1 race of the season went to Willie Mullins as the brilliant Vauban bolted up in the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle.

The 4/11 favourite lined up here chasing a Grade 1 hat-trick and he produced another top drawer effort.

He eased past old rival Fil Dor at the last hurdle and cruised away under Paul Townend. He looks set to go down the Champion Hurdle path next season.

Gavin Cromwell got amongst the winners on the final day of the season as Peaches And Cream bolted up in the handicap chase.

The day began with a 22/1 surprise as Hurricane Darwin landed the cross country chase.