His first three starts at two were in Group 2 company, but on start number twenty one Lex Talionis finally shed his maiden tag in the 80 to 116 rated Go Racing In Kildare Handicap Hurdle.

Just over a length and a quarter split the first four home in this twenty runner heat at Punchestown.

The Sean Flanagan-ridden Lex Talionis (12/1) got the better of Champagne Pat and Mr Antolini by a head and a neck. Geneva Barracks the well-backed favourite, was just a length further back in fourth.

"He's been improving with every run, just coming along and getting a little bit better everytime," said winning trainer Noel Meade.

"His run the last day was good and he just improved again from it. I thought the ground might be a bit soft for him but he said it half helped him in a way as he settled a little bit better.

"He jumped well and I thought he gave him a brilliant ride.

"He went round the inner the whole way, scraped the fence and got a great run around the inside going around the last bend. It just made the difference between winning and losing.

"He just puts his head down and gallops. He's probably well enough handicapped on the Flat and there could be a Flat race in him as well."

The Stewards received a request from Martin Brassil, trainer of Geneva Barracks, to substitute the nominated rider C. Brassil, with R. Walsh, due to illness.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that the nominated rider had become unwell since declaration.

The horse was having its first run in a handicap today and he felt the horse required an experienced rider in those circumstances.

With the other riders who normally ride out for him or were familiar with the horse already being engaged in the race he felt R. Walsh was the most suitable.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the request on this occasion.

The Stewards interviewed Jonathan Sweeney, trainer of Champagne Pat, regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule 32 (ii) and having taken his good record into account the Stewards cautioned the trainer regarding his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards interviewed David Kenneth Budds, trainer of Here For The Craic regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule 32 (ii) and having taken his clean record into account the Stewards cautioned the trainer regarding his future responsibilities in this regard.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Lusis Naturea (GB) trained by Eoin Gerard Barry, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left at times, especially from the second last flight.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Big Ben (GB), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(GC & EM)