Dancing City had to dig deep to repel the challenge of fellow Willie Mullins runner High Class Hero in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.
The winner was sent off as the 7-4 favourite in the hands of Paul Townend having claimed Grade One glory at last month's Grand National meeting at Aintree, but he had ground to find with Stellar Story, who had beaten him by just over seven lengths in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.
Dancing City was clearly travelling well at the top of the straight and while he easily had the measure of Stellar Story, High Class Hero served it up to him after jumping the last.
Townend's mount responded to every urging though, and while the second tried his best, Dancing City held a half-length advantage at the line.
On the back of winning at Aintree, Dancing City (7-4F) showed no ill-effects when just getting the better of High Class Hero in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins @punchestownrace
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 1, 2024
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #rtesport pic.twitter.com/IjW4GxmCjE
Redemption Day came from last to first to give rider Jody Townend a first Grade One win in the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Redemption Day finished second in this contest two years ago before enduring a 611-day absence. But following a Fairyhouse win last month, he enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.
Stablemate Jasmin De Vaux was sent off the 6-4 favourite to follow up his Cheltenham bumper success, but Patrick Mullins was pushing along from some way out, while in contrast Townend was making smooth progress through the field having sat at the rear in the early stages.
A first Grade One success for Jody Townend after partnering Redemption Day (9-2) to success in the
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 1, 2024
Race & Stay at Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race for Willie Mullins @punchestownrace
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #rtesport pic.twitter.com/lyCaGJaHfe
Redemption Day was cantering over his rivals at the top of the straight and when Townend popped the question, he responded in style to run out a three-and-three-quarter-length winner.
Watch the Punchestown Festival from Thursday to Saturday with RTE Sport. Coverage on Thursday and Friday starts from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Racing on Saturday broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 3pm.
