Trainer John Joe O'Neill will rarely encounter as much media interest as he has experienced at present with the appointment of Tony McCoy as new stable jockey followed by a big race double at Punchestown today.
His double was completed when Rhinestone Cowboy stole the show to win the featured Champion Stayers Hurdle. Running over three miles for the first time, Rhinestone Cowboy proved far too strong for Cheltenham winner Iris's Gift to win under regular partner JP Magnier.
O'Neill later commented 'he seemed to stay the trip really well but did idle when he got to the front.' Runner-up Iris's Gift was reported to be 'a bit flat' by jockey Barry Geraghty and will be sent chasing next season.
One hour earlier, O'Neill's Cherub defeated Cheltenham winner Made In Japan by a short head to win the Grade 1 Champion Four Year Old Hurdle following a ding-dong battle from the final flight.
Afterwards, O'Neill reported 'he ran very well when fourth at Cheltenham but was below par at Aintree subsequently.' When asked about AP McCoy's appointment as his new stable jockey, O'Neill's stated 'I'm thrilled to bits because Tony is a magic jockey.'
Paul Nolan's former Galway Hurdle winner Say Again landed the other Grade 1 contest, the Swordlestown Novice Chase, under John Cullen. However, the grey had luck on his side as the challenging Colca Canyon crashed out at the second last and brought down Kicking King.
A relieved Nolan stated 'we had luck on our side although he might have won anyway.'
What, on paper, appeared a vintage renewal of the La Touche Cup did not disappoint with one banks specialist, trainer Enda Bolger, combining with another, jockey JT McNamara, to win with Spot Thedifference.
Bolger reported 'that's Spot Thedifference's first win for 3 years and he will be aimed at the new banks race at the Cheltenham March Festival.' Bolger has now won the race seven times.
The opening two mile handicap hurdle produced the first dead heat of the festival with judge Brendan Sheridan unable to separate Willie Mullins' Kelly's Craft and Robbie Burns' Boleyknowsbest at the line.
The latter named received a nasty looking cut to a hind leg although Mullins reported it to be 'nothing too serious' and expects the winner to be back racing during the Summer.
Mullins was later to complete a hat-trick of wins, with Ballyamber landing the novice chase (completing a double for Ruby Walsh) while Detonate won the bumper under Jamie Codd.
