On paper, this year’s la Touche, leg 10 of the 2023-24 Crystal Cup, looked a shoo-in for Coko Beach, 10lb in on any of his rivals, and with the benefit of course experience and a creditable 11th in the Grand National behind him.

But as so often is the case on this eclectic course of banks, ditches and fences, what looks simple on paper doesn’t always play out. Punters who’d backed the horse down to 5/4 favouritism were comfortable with their decision as Coko Beach was prominent or led much of the way, but he was never allowed to assert completely, and it was the 14 year old Singing Banjo who played the best tune as he joined the lead two out, doggedly seeing off Three For Two and Coko Beach for the minor placings in a thrilling finish, just 3/4l separating first and second, 3 3/4l back to third.

Singing Banjo was one of two previous winners of the race in the field, having won in 2021, the other being last year’s winner Vital Island,  who pulled up when his chance was gone two out.

Owner, trainer and rider Barry Walsh, told Racing TV,  “He really comes alive with these cross-country jumps. He just loves it. He was second for us at Cheltenham at the November meeting in 2021. He just gives you a great thrill.”

There was keen interest from others among the runners to explore other cross country options, bearing in mind the narrow calendar of events during the Irish season. Forays to France are a growing trend among entrepreneurial Irish and British trainers, and among this genre of cross country horses, the prizes are that much more attractive on the Continent.

Take nothing away from the second horse either. Three By Two had run in the Ladies Cup on the Tuesday of Punchestown, beaten 7 1/4l into fourth behind Knockiel Synge in another good quality cross country (See 1:47 below)

Punchestown’s late entry into this year’s Crystal Cup gave little opportunity for British or Continental runners to plan ahead, but the race affords them a different type of race to French cross country races. The Irish banks which require a stride on top are higher than most that the French will see.

Irish horses, owners and trainers will not be threatening the top of the leaderboard for 2023-24, where a positive showing from Patrice Quinton’s 3 entries at Lion d’Angers may still wrest the Crystal Cup from the Czechs.