Sunni shines in Punchestown opener

Sunni May ran out a convincing winner of the opener at Punchestown this afternoon when claiming the rated novice hurdle in good style.

Robbie Power had the 2/1 favourite prominent in the two-miler and he inherited the lead when Lion In HIs Heart pulled up having run off the course after the fifth flight.

Sunni May had his rivals on stretch turning for home and despite an untidy leap at the last the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding had plenty in hand on the run-in.

He went on to record a comprehensive five-and-a-half length success over Kalopsia

The winner had opened his account over hurdles at Cork last month when getting up close home to beat Dr Mikey after meeting trouble in running.

"He'd very good form last year (in bumpers), and is fulfilling it now. He's going in the right direction, and Robbie said he'd be better going left-handed,” said Harrington.

"He'll probably run at Christmas as they should have decent ground and he's not certain to go on very heavy ground. Two miles is his trip, although he may in time get two and a half."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)