Racing Report Card: A fantastic finish at Mussleburgh, a monster on the cross-country circuit and a champion bounces back at the Punchestown Festival

THE racing was pretty drab for the most part on Thursday, before Punchestown saved the day in no uncertain terms.

We've picked out some moments you may have missed on a busy afternoon of racing.

A thrilling finish ?

Apterix – Musselburgh 2.45

Brian Ellison's horses have garnered a not unfair reputation of being as tough as teak, and his nine-year-old proved age is no hindrance to a tough performance.

Taking up the running from an early stage, he was headed 2f from home but battled on tenaciously to wrest back the lead as the winning post loomed.

It was a fine performance from a stayer who still has plenty of room left in his mark and he could yet have another win in him this term.

Apterix battles back in a fight to the line in the Macroberts LLP Handicap, winning for @BeN_RobinsoN18 and @BERacingLtd ? pic.twitter.com/HAPTr0WX9j

A cross-country monster ?

Josies Orders went off a warm order for this but had no answers to the stamina-laden Ballyboker Bridge, who finished the 4m2f slog of the La Touche Cup like a fresh horse.

Peter Maher's 12-year-old has been the bridesmaid on plenty of occasions but this was his big day in the sun – and he destroyed them.

Hopefully he'll be back for another crack at the banks on Saturday.

Ballyboker Bridge runs away with the La Touche Cup! The twelve-year-old triumphs in Ireland's longest race for Peter Maher and @swflanagan7 at @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/UP5sA0tz0n

A champion reborn ?

Younowhatimeanharry wound back the years with his second victory in the Champion Stayers, finding more when challenged late on.

Harry Fry's celebration was a picture and it was just what he deserved as he's always been very intrepid at Punchestown.

It would be no surprise to see the eleven-year-old him back again next year for another crack.

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