Death Duty takes National Trial at Punchestown

Death Duty rolled back the years to claim top honours in the Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott's charge was a Grade One winner over hurdles and fences in his pomp, but had failed to get his head in front since winning the Drinmore at Fairyhouse in December 2017.

Now an 11-year-old, Death Duty had not been disgraced in either the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown or the Thyestes at Gowran Park on his last two starts and he was a 6-1 shot for his latest assignment.

Ridden by Jack Kennedy, the veteran moved into the slipstream of stablemate Coko Beach rounding the home turn before taking over on the run to the final fence.

Champagne Platinum came home to good effect, but Death Duty never looked in any danger of being reeled in and passed the post with three lengths in hand.

Death Duty shows his class in the @Hollywoodbets Grand National Trial Handicap Chase, forging clear to land today's feature contest in great style under the guidance of @jackkennedy15 for trainer @gelliott_racing