Morricone has options after Punchestown success

Sweet-travelling Morricone put a big field to the sword in the John Thomas McNamara (QR) Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

Joey Dunne 's partner moved ominously well into contention approaching the home bend and Dunne asked him to go and win his race on the long run to the final flight.

He shot clear of the remainder on the approach to it and a lovely jump saw him land full of running as the 5/2 favourite ran on by four and a-quarter lengths. Joyeux Vivo couldn't land a glove on him in second at 11/2, but was half a length up on It'sallabouteve (12/1). Ricky Booby gave his backers a place dividend some eight lengths further back in fourth at 9/2.

Trainer Ray Hackett said: “He ran well here the last day and just ran into one of Eddie Cawley’s and his horses are in great form.

“They went good and hard which suited us and stretched them out.

“He’s qualified for the final of the Full Circle Series (at the festival here). I think there is another race back here at the end of the month and we can give him a break after that.

“A huge thanks to Mags and Danny (Mullins) who were very straight with us when we bought the horse. We didn’t have to figure anything out as they told us everything.

“He has small little issues that need a bit of time between his races, he just gets a little stiff, so you wouldn’t rush him back out.

“The syndicate are all local Toomevara people, and I’m delighted to get them a winner.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee