Lesley impresses under Walsh

Lesley Dawn ran out an impressive winner of an incident packed Punchestown For Events Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Jessica Harrington trained four-year-old was seventh on debut in the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse last month, and she was sent off an easy to back 7/2 chance today (from 11/4 on-course).

Prominent on the outer under Ruby Walsh, she was left in front at the third as Kiera Royale crashed out, bringing down Gi Jayne and Jazz Mine in the process. Tay Lane was badly hampered and unseated, while Kennedys Girl earlier fell at the first.

The winning daughter of Flemensfirth was joined by Dawn In The Park before the next, regaining the lead on the approach to the fifth.

The Ann and Alan Potts owned victor extended her advantage on the run to the straight, and she went clear before the last, keeping on well to win by sixteen lengths.

Dawn In The Park (7/2) finished second under JJ Slevin for Joseph O'Brien, while the 11/4 favourite (from 7/2) Denham Sound was a neck back in third, with Davy Russell aboard for Charles Byrnes.

Harrington said afterwards: "That was what she was meant to do in the sales bumper but it didn't happen that day!

"She was lovely there today. She jumped great, she settled in front and jumped from hurdle to hurdle.

"She couldn't have done it any easier and was very impressive.

"She'll be off out for the summer and will come back for the listed hurdle at Gowran at the end of September.

"She loves jumping, she's done nothing but jump all winter."

STEWARDS REPORTS

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Quinnsborotemptres trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount met with bad interference in avoiding fallers at the third hurdle, lost considerable ground and was unable to meaningfully compete from that point.

M.J. Bolger, rider of Endless River (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the fallers at the third hurdle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson