With Nolimit wins Champion I.N.H Flat Race at Punchestown Festival

It was a first Grade 1 win for amateur rider Halford and the Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse defied odds of 14/1 as he lowered the colours of Noel Meade's Cheltenham Festival scorer The Mourne Rambler (11/8 favourite).

Boycetown was third at 5/1 for trainer Gavin Cromwell, while Dromard (7/1) did best of the Willie Mullins quartet in fourth.

The 66/1 outsider Of Land And Sea took them along early, tracked by Love Sign D'aunou, with the eventual winner settled in mid-pack. Halford made progress alongside the market leader on turning into the straight and despite coming widest of all, With Nolimit picked up well to challenge Boycetown who also pressed on entering the final furlong.

The Mourne Rambler eventually stayed on to grab second from a weakening Boycetown but With Nolimit was a length and three-quarters clear as Halford punched the air crossing the line in front.

Halford said on Racing TV: "It hasn't sunk in to be honest, I only found out four or five hours ago that I was riding him. It probably wasn't a bad thing that I didn't have too much time to dream!

"I can't believe it, I'm over the moon. I can't thank Gordon enough, he's been so good to me since day dot."

More from Sporting Life

• Free bets
• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.