The 15/8 favourite Bal De Rio recorded his fifth win over hurdles for trainer Denis Hogan when taking the opening claiming contest at Punchestown.

Daniel King was on board and brought his mount through from mid-division to move second after two out. Fancy A Cosmo conceding 23lb to the winner, was making the best of his way home at that point but was overhauled after the last as Bal De Rio scored by half a length with the front pair well clear of the remainder.

"I got a lovely lead into it," said King.

"I was trying to hold onto him for as long as I could. I got a lead down to the last, got a good jump and he galloped all the way to the line.

“He’s been a good horse for me and that’s my third win on him. He’s a good consistent horse.”

Bal De Rio, put in here at 6,000 Euros, was the subject of a successful friendly claim by his connections and nothing else was claimed.

Quotes from Alan Magee