Ballybawn a Belter in Punchestown opener

JP McManus, the sponsor of the Adare Manor Opportunity Final Handicap Hurdle in Punchestown, saw his colours carried to victory by Charlie O'Dwyer on Ballybawn Belter in the opener.

Liz Doyle's five-year-old mare travelled well in second to pass Cillians Charm two out. The latter clouted that hurdle and soon came under pressure.

Ballybawn Belter (17/2) kicked clear off the home bend, but idled in the closing stages as a charging Bread And Butter (9/1) unleashed his finish having encountered traffic problems.

The British raider made up a huge amount of ground on the run-in to close to within a length of the winner in this extended 2m3f contest. Camino Rock (33/1 - 20/1) dropped to third close home and was followed in by Gold Speed (9/1).

Trainer Liz Doyle said: “I did say to him that his dad would have waited longer, it was a long final furlong!”

“I'm delighted for him and Conor and Audrey, it's a great day for them all.

“He probably kicked a small bit too soon and could maybe have kept the bit higher in her mouth for a furlong longer, to make it easier on everyone as the trainer gets a little worried in the last furlong, but it's not a criticism as it was a beautiful ride and he's a very good rider.

“I think she might have been in season the last day in Fairyhouse, so that would explain that. She just didn't operate at all and was like a lamb in the stable.

“She was kicking the house down when we were saddling her there, so we said we might be back in business.

“I think the extra two furlongs brought out a small bit of improvement as well. She got a lovely clean ride off a light weight.

“I think that ground is riding a bit drier than everybody thinks it is and it's important to be handy.

“We might have a look at something in Galway for her, she might have a small break now. I'll see what Frank (Berry) wants to do but she seems to handle this good ground quite well.

“I don't think she'll get into the Galway Hurdle and there is a nice two-and-a-half mile race there.

“We've had two wonderful days with her. James Rath, my head lad, bought her for small money so she's come a long way.

“She has already jumped a fence because she was supposed to run in a point-to-point. She showed plenty of gears so we said we'd go for a bumper.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson