McInerney doubles-up on Spring Watch

After taking the third on Na Trachtalai Abu Donal McInerney doubled-up on Spring Watch in the Punchestown.com Handicap Hurdle.

Having disappointed on his handicap debut at Ballinrobe last month, the Mouse Morris trained son of Mahler was sent off at 16/1 this evening.

Settled in mid-division, he took closer order on the outer from two out, and cruised through to lead before the last.

He was ridden on the run-in, and kept on well to score by four and a quarter lengths in the colours of JP McManus.

The Noel Meade duo of Crown Of Thorns (9s to 7s) and Arch Stanton (14/1) finished second and third respectively, while the 9/2 favourite Running In Heels was fourth.

"He's had his problems. We'll find another one like that somewhere and he could go chasing shortly," said Morris.

Champion conditional McInerney also completed a double at Killarney on Sunday.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards fined Robert Tyner, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Dukes Avenue in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the omission of hurdle numbers 2 and 3 in this race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Milestone Prince trained by Michael McCullagh was distressed post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson