Koeman blasts hurdling opposition away

Fresh from supplying Derek O'Connor with his 1200th point-to-point winner on the impressive Nelly's Money at Dromahane yesterday Robert Tyner sent out Blast Of Koeman (13/2) to win the Happy New Year from thetote.com Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

For the second year in succession Brave Out (20s into 16s) came home in the runner-up spot in this two and a half miler and here he had to give way to the Philip Enright-ridden Blast Of Koeman by three and three parts of a length.

Blast Of Koeman hasn't always convinced with his fencing over the larger obstacles and today he wasn't fluent at the first hurdle.

However the Tyner runner was second travelling well three out, he led at the next, and soon went clear, ridden on the run-in and staying on well for victory.

Favourite Jake Peter got going from the rear of mid-division all too late and was a never nearer three parts of a length back in third at the line.

“He's a horse that has been second here at two festivals, he's frustrating,” stated Enright.

“He gave me a holiday in October so he needed to pay me back.

“He travelled well, he loves good ground and the ground was beautiful out there. It's slightly on the slow side of good.

“He travelled and jumped great. We didn't go much of a gallop and it suited him as he's a horse with a lot of gears.

“I'm delighted for the lads that own him (the Inittowinit Syndicate) as they are great supporters of the yard and they always stand by me.”

(GC & EM)