Beaten by just a head over fences on his return to action at Kilbeggan last month, Sargent Lightfoot (7/1 from 12s early) went a place better under Susie Doyle in the Cheers To The Punchestown Women Ladies Handicap Hurdle.

Settled behind the leaders, the Adrian Murray-trained ten-year-old took closer order before five out and improved to lead before the final flight (usual two out).

Travelling best entering the straight, the winning son of Jeremy was pushed a few lengths clear upon bypassing the last and while his advantage was reduced in the closing stages, he prevailed by three-quarters of a length.

A winner at Limerick last month, Missus Beeton (17/2) was 12th jumping the last but stayed on strongly in the closing stages, finishing a never nearer second under Georgie Benson.

Sent off the 9/4 favourite, Joyeux Vivo was another length-and-a-half away in third with Aine O'Connor aboard.

There was a nasty incident at the second, where Petit Mike fell and brought down Dreamings Free and the last was omitted as a result.

"He just got nailed on the line over fences at Kilbeggan the last day," Murray commented.

"I hadn't intended going back for a hurdle but there wasn't a chase coming up that suited him. When he's in good form we wanted to run him.

"He settled well for her and jumped great. He's starting to relax now as he used to be a bit of a tearaway and would get worked up before a race.

"He has options now over hurdles and fences over the summer."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Adrian Murray, trainer of Sargent Lightfoot, for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification to an IHRB Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(i).

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of Joyeux Vivo (FR), concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted she was in breach of the regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Miss A.B. O'Connor was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered her record in this regard (second offence), they suspended her for seven racedays.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Miss M. Walsh, rider of Benkei concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted she was in breach of the regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Miss M. Walsh was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and R.10.3(b) by the unnecessary hitting of her mount after its chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having considered her previous record (first offence under Regulation 10), they suspended her for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee