Dancing City Impresses on Chasing Debut at Punchestown
Triple Grade One-winning hurdler Dancing City made a promising start to his chasing career at Punchestown on Tuesday, delivering a confident victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the seven-year-old had already established himself as a top-tier talent over hurdles, with Grade One wins at Leopardstown, Aintree, and Punchestown. Despite his success in the smaller sphere, Dancing City was always considered a natural chaser in the making. His only setback at the highest level came at Cheltenham, where he finished third in the Albert Bartlett behind Stellar Story and The Jukebox Man.
Sent off as the 2-5 favourite, the race was expected to provide a competitive test with Henry de Bromhead’s Mossy Fen Park and Gordon Elliott’s Shannon Royale in the mix. A potential challenge also loomed from stablemate Olympic Man, who was travelling strongly before a costly mistake four fences from home ended his chances.
Despite Shannon Royale closing to within a length and a half after the last fence, Dancing City, expertly guided by Paul Townend, always appeared in control, pulling clear when challenged.
Bookmakers were divided in their assessments following the performance, with Coral maintaining his odds at 10-1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, while Paddy Power shortened him to 6-1.
Townend praised the horse's debut effort:
“That was nice. He jumped brilliantly for the most part, although he took in the scenery down the straight! I gave him a slap going to the last to make him concentrate, and he responded well.”
“When we heard another horse coming, he found plenty again. It’s as good a start as you could hope for. He’s very good and always has been since he started.”
“I think he’ll come on for the run. All of ours are improving, especially over this trip (three miles). He had a look, took his blow, and went on again, so I’m very happy.”
Dancing City’s successful transition to fences solidifies his reputation as a chaser to watch this season.