Meade & Blackmore combine to win Punchestown's opener Beacon Edge made a winning debut over hurdles today as last season's smart bumper horse landed the opening Bangor-on-Dee Annual Members Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown for trainer Noel Meade, owner Gigginstown House Stud and jockey Rachael Blackmore. The son of Doyen finished last term with a third placing at the Co Kildare venue's Grade 1 Champion Bumper and today reappeared for his jumps debut. His jumping early-on was quite novicey in the 19 runner race and the 4/6 favourite was indeed strongly pressed by The Very Man approaching the final flight. Beacon Edge's task was however greatly simplified by the final fight fall of sole challenger The Very Man although Blackmore needed to sit tight as The Very Man fell awkwardly after the last. On the run-in Beacon Edge needed pushing to maintain his lead and eventually came home the somewhat underwhelming ten lengths winner from Mystery Stowaway. Blackmore was substituting for injured Sean Flanagan on Beacon Edge, her second winner for Meade in as many days, and afterwards the eight-times Champion Trainer stated “watching it I was a bit disappointed as I thought he’d travel through the race a bit better. Rachael thought she’d have won (when the other horse fell at the last). “I was a bit disappointed when he got to the front how lairy he was from there to the line when he was left on his own. “I do think he’s a very nice horse and he might even be better over further, although he did show us plenty of boot last year. He did stay well in those bumpers we ran him in. “He has jumped very well at home and didn’t jump as well there but I’m sure he will come on for the run. “He won his bumper for Nicky Richards and was then bought at the Cheltenham Sales.” Quotes from Alan Magee
