Gaius fends off the favourite in Punchestown Noel Kelly's Gaius put in a game effort to win race five at Punchestown under 7lb-claimer Philip Byrnes. The six-year-old gelding signalled that a breakthrough victory might not be too far away when third at Listowel last month and so it proved. The 15/2 shot chased the leaders and was pushed along to get closer after jumping the penultimate flight of this extended two and a half mile handicap hurdle. The yellow and blue colours tacked on to the heels of the leaders sweeping round the final bend. His big white face hit the front at the last from Ocojohn, however, 5/4 favourite Maxxum was produced on the run-in by Davy Russell. Gaius found plenty for Byrnes and was always holding the challenger in the closing stages as he repelled him by half a length. Ceanndana (12/1) and Its My Deal (25/1) completed the placings in third and fourth respectively. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
