King George contender Heart Wood wins at Punchestown

Heart Wood entered the King George picture in making a successful start to his campaign with a gritty performance in the BetVictor Chase at Punchestown.

With Galway Plate hero and likely favourite Western Fold a significant non-runner, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Heart Wood was the 4-9 market leader come the off on what was his first start since being pulled-up at Fairyhouse in April.

The seven-year-old twice finished second at Grade One level last season, going down narrowly to the re-opposing Croke Park in the Drinmore Novice Chase before finding only Fact To File too strong in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

With Darragh O’Keeffe in the saddle for his reappearance, Heart Wood tracked Monbeg Park into the home straight and there was little to choose between the pair before De Bromhead’s charge winged the final fence and landed running, asserting late on to prevail by a length and three-quarters.

De Bromhead said: “Monbeg Park went out and they made it a good gallop. Darragh said he’ll improve plenty and he really saw it out in the end.

“It probably just looked like he wasn’t seeing out the three miles last year, but it’s tempting to try it again. He travels so well and he’s pacey.”

De Bromhead admitted a date at Kempton Park on Boxing Day is in his mind, adding: “I was thinking about Kempton. Today was to get started and we know he’ll come on.

“He’s entered at Down Royal (BetVictor Champion Chase, November 1) but I’d say unlikely. It’s lovely to get today.”