HAPPY ENDING

McManus' star can bring down festival curtain on a high note

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CANAL END (4.15) looks primed for a big run in the 3m Palmerstown House Estate Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase on the closing day of Punchestown.

Peter Fahey's seven-year-old was a big fancy for the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday but having failed to make the cut, he can atone here for owner JP McManus.

He is 9lbs higher for winning in impressive style on his last start at Navan, the longest trip he's gone over fences, but he remains unexposed and showed plenty of stamina that afternoon.

Any rain will help his chances and off 10st5lbs he's a player here.

Canal End was runner-up to ANSWER TO KAYF (3.05) on his previous start at Naas and Terence O'Brien's smart novice could be the answer to the earlier Oaklodgelandscapes.ie Handicap Chase.