Last season's Cheltenham Bumper third Master Albert made it two wins from two over hurdles at Punchestown today where he ran out a comprehensive 2 1/2l winner of the Thornberry Hurdle, under JP Magnier.
David Wachman's gelding was always prominent before making his move to lead entering the straight, keeping on well to hold Native Stag, under James Carroll.
Wachman later stated 'he jumped great and we'll enter him for the Royal Bond Hurdle now. Longterm a return to Cheltenham is on the cards before probably going novice chasing next season.'
Trainer Pat Hughes and jockey Joey Elliott recorded a double in the opening two races, with Helensburgh in the 3yo hurdle before Wing Of Fire doubled the score half an hour later.
Helensburgh had previously won over the course and distance and was described by the Co Carlow trainer as 'a nice horse who likes good ground and won't run in heavy conditions. We're thinking more towards the Spring with him now.'
Cashmans introduced Helensburgh at 25/1 for the Triumph Hurdle next March.
Hughes' Wing Of Fire (4/7 favourite) won the Narraghmore Maiden Hurdle (division one) by a head and himself received a quote of 33/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
However the winning trainer did report 'he is definitely a stayer and will now run over at least 2m4f.'
Robbie Burns' Lagniappe looked thrown in at the deep end in the Narraghmore Maiden Hurdle (division two) but defied odds of 25/1 to score a battling 2 1/2l winner under Garrett Cotter.
Noel Meade and Paul Carberry had their customary winner, with Hard Shoulder in the Morganstown Handicap Hurdle while the Charles Byrnes yard landed its customary touch with Sraid Na Cathrach (5/2 - 2/1), a somewhat fortunate winner of the beginners' chase.
Byrnes' gelding was a close third behind both General Cloney and Sandy Owen when both horses fell at the second last, leaving the Sraid Na Cathrach to win by four lengths.
Winning rider Davy Russell steps in for the injured David Casey on Back In Front in the Morgiana Hurdle at tomorrow's Punchestown meeting.
The John Kiely bumper winning machine churned out its latest winner, with Grattan Square, second in a hot Galway bumper recently, winning today's bumper.
