Junior Rattler & Liz Lalor tough it out in Ladies h'cap hurdle

Liz Lalor made her first ride for Oliver McKiernan a winning one when partnering Junior Rattler to a thrilling victory in the Punchestown.com Ladies Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding came into this 2m4f event in good form having scored over two miles on testing ground at Naas before placed twice when stepped up to three miles.

The son of Arakan was produced to challenge Nodoubtaboutthat at the final flight and the pair drew clear on the run-in.

The 5/1 chance just got the better of things close home to prevail by half a length, with a gap of 17 lengths back to the always prominent Demi Plie in third. Archies Charm completed the placings in fourth.

Lalor said, “He was a great old spin. I ended jumping off a lot further back than I wanted to but he has a bit of class. His form of late is very good over two miles and three miles so he definitely stays anyway.

“He did that well. That’s my first ride for Oliver so it’s great that he’s won.”

Owing to the low trajectory of the sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdle number two and three to be omitted from this race.