King George in Henry's plans after Punchestown win

HEART Wood entered the King George picture in making a successful start to his campaign with a gritty performance in the BetVictor Chase at Punchestown.

- BY ALAN MAGEE

With Galway Plate hero and likely favourite Western Fold a significant non-runner, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Heart Wood was the 4-9 market leader come the off on what was his first start since being pulled up at Fairyhouse in April.

The seven-year-old twice finished second at Grade One level last season, going down narrowly to the reopposing Croke Park in the Drinmore Novice Chase before finding only Fact To File too strong in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.