Lieutenant Colonel earns his stripes

Dessie Hughes unleashed a useful-looking newcomer in the bumper at Punchestown as Lieutenant Colonel (7/1) scored for Gigginstown House Stud.

The four-year-old son of Kayf Tara powered his way through under Johnny King and hit the line just ahead of Klinnsman (also on debut for Edward Harty) who flew down the outside to be beaten a head at 8/1 from 14s.

“He’s a nice horse, he’s been working like a good horse but you never know with bumpers. He showed plenty of pace throughout the race. He quickened up well and he showed plenty of guts at the end. He was in front a bit early,” trainer Dessie Hughes said.

“He didn’t run in point-to-points as he was a bit backward last year so he did well to win first time. I don’t really like winners’ bumpers and there’s plenty of maiden hurdles for him over Christmas.”

Macbride was backed as though defeat was out of the question – 7/2 to 6/4 this morning. Aidan O’Brien’s charge was making his racecourse bow and was steered along the inside by Sara O’Brien into third, beaten two heads in a bunch finish. His SP was 7/4.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson