Harrington thrilled by Never run

NEVERUSHACON made a successful return to action in the Ballymore Group Risk Of Thunder Chase at Punchestown yesterday. Runner-up to Yanworth in last year’s renewal, Jessica Harrington’s charge subsequently won over the cross-country course in February before finishing down the field behind Easysland at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Making his first competitive appearance since, Neverushacon was the 2-1 favourite under regular partner Paddy Kennedy, and secured an 11-length victory over last year’s third Ballyboker Bridge. Kate Harrington, assistant to her mother, said: ‘He was deadly and we couldn’t be happier with him — he seems to absolutely love it here. ‘We may go back to Cheltenham in December with him if the ground isn’t too heavy.’ The Willie Mullins-trained Colreevy made a smart start to her career over regulation fences with a wide-margin victory in the Ballymore Group Rated Novice Chase. The point-to-point graduate won the Grade One championship bumper at the Punchestown Festival in the spring of 2019, and went on to ply her trade at a high level over hurdles last term. However, she could scale even greater heights over the larger obstacles judged on this 15-length success under Paul Townend. ‘The trip was ideal, she handled the ground well and she jumped great,’ said the champion jockey. Mullins and Townend were on the mark again in the Hub At Ballymore Maiden Hurdle, with French recruit Blue Lord (3-1) making a successful Irish debut — lunging late to deny evenmoney favourite Julies Stowaway by half a length. Townend said: ‘That was a nice performance. It was halfway down to the last before the penny dropped and he started galloping for me. He jumped brilliant. The second wasn’t stopping and it was a good performance to come from behind and go by. ‘I think he’ll get further.’