Wayne Bailey: Its On The Line looks set for Hunter Chase double at Punchestown
Emmet Mullins’ gelding arrives here on the back of a Foxhunters’ win at Aintree
Its On The Line can land the Champion Hunters’ Chase for the second year running at Punchestown today
The phrase to ‘win hands down’, meaning to win something comfortably, comes from the sport of horse racing, and if a jockey was travelling very well near the end of the race, he could loosen his grip on the reins crossing the line, letting his hands relax with no need for the use of the whip.
While most of State Man’s victories were not ‘hands down’ in the literal sense, with Paul Townend often shaking him up near the closing stages, they are almost always comprehensive. Therefore, it’s been no surprise to see State Man returned at an odds-on price in each of his last five races.
