Birdie Blitz powers home under Kelly

Aidan Howard's Birdie Blitz swamped her rivals with a strong winning move from two out in the mares' handicap hurdle at Punchestown.

Aidan Kelly took 7lb off the grey mare's back and she forged on from the field on the run to the final flight.

Once it was negotiated, she powered home for a six-length victory at 9/2 in first-time cheekpieces. Lizlucky (7/2jf) took the runner-up prize from Getaway Goldie (20/1).

“I was delighted to see her win, she deserves a win as she's been knocking on the door,” said Frank Berry, owner JP McManus' racing manager.

“She handled the ground well and Aidan is good value for his claim.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson