Luckyinmilan gave Oliver McKiernan his second winner in five days when justifying 2/1 favouritism under Ian McCarthy in the Festival Hospitality From 99 Euro Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

It threatened to sway one way and another between Luckyinmilan and eventual runner-up Twiss's Hill in the straight in this two mile six furlong event.

In the end though Luckyinmilan knuckled down sufficiently in the closing stages to gain the day by two lengths.

There was fifteen lengths back to the third placed Hes Our Vinnie

"He kept pulling out a bit, and soft ground suits him," commented McKiernan, on the mark on Saturday at Gowran with Golden Boot.

"Hopefully he'll improve and we'll find another handicap at this distance or three miles. The syndicate is made up of family relations from Cavan and Offaly."

The Stewards interviewed I.J. McCarthy, rider of Luckyinmilan, winner, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion I.J. McCarthy was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.

Mr J.W. O'Neill, rider of Sydney Thompson trained by Ronald O'Neill, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up injured. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer confirmed that Sydney Thompson was lame post race.

(AM & EM)