Racing was at Punchestown today where the first race was off at 1.15pm. Topacio booked his ticket for the Triumph Hurdle with an impressive victory in the featured Juvenile Hurdle. Charlie Swan's mount settled the issue when quickening clear early in the straight to beat Francines-Boy by 7 lengths, while Calladine was third when falling at the last. "He will be entered for the Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle as well as the Triumph," said trainer Pat Hughes.
Ballyquin was the favourite for the 3.45pm Handicap Hurdle but after crossing the line first was disqualified for going inside a marker. Jockey Denis Leahy forfeited his fees and has been handed a two-day ban for the error which he claimed was due to the low angle of the sun which resulted in him not seeing the marker.
All the results:
1.15pm I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle – No.9 GIVE OVER - C O'Dwyer (7/1).
1.45pm E.B.F. Beginners Chase – No.5 EMPOR STAR - BM Cash (10/1).
2.15pm T. Bourke & Co. Ext. Handicap – No.7 LORD OF THE DANCE - C O'Dwyer (9/2 fav).
2.45pm New Stand At Punchestown Juvenile Hurdle – No.7 TOPACIO - CF Swan (11/8 fav).
3.15pm T.C. Matthews Ext. Handicap Chase - No.6 BIT ON THE HIDE - BM Cash (12/1).
3.45pm Vincent Doherty & Co. Ltd Ext. Handicap Hurdle – No.6 DOUBLE ACCOUNT - C O'Dwyer (9/2).
4.15pm Rooske I.N.H. Flat Race – No.7 NATIVE JACK - P Fenton (9/4 fav).
Meanwhile, Adrian Maguire did not ride at the Haydock meeting and will now be sidelined until next Saturday. He was bruised in a fall at Ascot on Friday and was not recovered in time to take his booked mounts this afternoon. "Adrian won't ride today, he is stiff and sore," said the jump jockey's wife Sabrina. Maguire fell on Tilt And Turn at Ascot on Friday, having missed the previous three days' action recovering from a back injury. He also starts a suspension.
Tomorrow's Leopardstown meet sees Istabraq and Limestone Lad line-up for an eagerly awaited rematch in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle, and punters also have the enticement of a jackpot pool carryover of £29,428. Limestone Lad adopted his usual front-running style to upset the dual Champion Hurdler over 2 ½ mile in the 'Hattons Grace' at Fairyhouse. However Istabraq is fancied to exact revenge over his best distance, and confirm his position as a banker for Cheltenham.
Also, Dato Star is clear second favourite for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle after his runaway win in the Red Square Energising Haydock Park Champion Hurdle Trial today. Ladbrokes slashed the gelding's odds for the Cheltenham showpiece from 20-1 in to 6-1 behind dual champion Istabraq, who is quoted at 1-2 (from 4-7).
Smurfit Champion Hurdle: Ladbrokes betting: 1-2 Istabraq, 6-1 Dato, 14-1 Hors La Loi III, 16-1 Katarino.
