Hand rides first winner on Tethra

Danny Hand (22) from Navan rode his first winner when Tethra landed the spoils in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

"She's a bit quirky, and I think there is plenty of improvement in her. I was lucky enough and got a nice run through," explained Hand.

"I've been with Dermot McLoughlin (trainer of Tethra) for the last six months."

McLoughlin himself said: "She had a little wind operation last year, and coming from off the pace suited. She keeps galloping and may jump a fence in time."

In the big field two miler Tethra reared-over when a false start occurred.

She was held up in last before making good headway from three out.

The 14/1 chance improved to lead after two out and she was clear approaching the last.

Ridden on the run-in, the Sean Gallagher-owned Tethra kept on under pressure, she had a reduced advantage close home, but she'd done enough for a half length verdict over Rapid Fritz

R.A. Doyle, rider of French Ambassador trained by Conor O'Dwyer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action and made a mistake at the last but was going backwards at the time.

A.W. Short, rider of Wee Tiger trained by Ray Hackett, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was unsuited by the strong early pace and lost interest early on.

(AM & EM)