Coole proves best as Pittoni flops Coole River made all for a convincing success in the Grade 2 Johnstown Novice Hurdle at Navan as Triumph Hurdle hope Pittoni disappointed back in third. Robbie Power had a willing partner in the six-year-old, who proved too tough for his rivals. Lucky William emerged as a big threat to the leader before the second last but cried enough on the run-in, going down by three-and-a-half lengths. Pittoni, who had settled behind the leaders, was also asked for his effort before the penultimate flight but failed to pick up, eventually finishing a length-and-three-quarters back in third. "He's tough. I made the right call coming here instead of Thurles," said winning trainer Jessica Harrington. "He had to do it the hard way and it wasn't really what we wanted as he's so leery. "Robert said at the last he pricked his ears but as soon as anything comes near him he goes on again. He loves a battle. "He was taken out of Cheltenham and we'll wait for Fairyhouse and Punchestown for races over two-and-a-half miles." Trainer Charles Byrnes, speaking just after Pittoni's run said: "I'm disappointed, there's no point saying any differently. “My gut feeling was that the races he won were uncompetitive and we came here to find out more. “He's not ruled out of the Triumph Hurdle but he's not a certain runner at this stage.” Pittoni was subsequently found to be clinically abnormal post race.
