Review PUNCHESTOWN 23RD APR

A large crowd was bathed in sunshine on day one of the Festival meeting, and they also enjoyed a terrific finish to the featured BMW Chase won by Strong Run.

Noel Meade's charge jumped past Killultagh Storm at the second last, but relinquished the advantage with a bad blunder at the last.

However Paul Carberry galvanised a final effort from Strong Run to get back up virtually on the line to score by a shorthead.

Ruby Walsh was given a one day ban (May 3) for excessive use of the whip on the runner-up.

'He probably wants a bit further than 2m, and is finished now for this season. He's a real Strong Gale, a good jumper who likes decent ground,' said Meade.

The Meade/Carberry completed a big Grade 1 double when Scottish Memories took the Champion Novice Hurdle in fine style.

Ballyhampshire Boy jumped well in front, and had most of his seven rivals off the bridle approaching two out.

However Scottish Memories could not be shaken off, and the 6yo led before the last to score by 1 1/2L with Adamant Approach (7/4-5/4f) 2L back in third.

'I have been very happy with him since Fairyhouse and, if his back stays right (cracked vertebrae), he could be a Champion Hurdle horse next season,' said Meade.

He added, 'That's it now until the autumn as he hasn't had a real break for some time. He will be aimed at all the usual Champion Hurdle Trials here next season.'

Western View could come back here over the course/distance on Friday in the David Austin Memorial Handicap Chase after taking the 3m1f handicap chase in the hands of Kieran Gaule.

'He will only run on Friday if we have some rain and he gets into the handicap,' said trainer Cecil Ross.

Norman Williamson was taken to hospital for x-rays after being unseated from Camden West at the third last.

Rapid Deployment (11/4f) justified good support in the handicap hurdle, travelling sweetly for Charlie Swan to lead before the last for a 3L victory over Sheer Frustration.

Paddy Mullins recalled a La Touche win as a trainer and rider with Flash Parade here 49 years ago after the Goresbridge maestro saddling Native Endurance to take the Grade 3 novice chase.

Mullins later completed a double when Liberman (Keith Mercer) held off Johnston's Swallow by 1/2L in the bumper.

David Casey had the 6yo up with the pace throughout, and led off the home turn to beat Copernicus by 4L.

The modified bank's course proved a tough test in the Ladies Cup as just 8 of the 20 runners completed, with Apremont beating Ballyday Dazy by 2L.

'Alan (Fleming) gave him a good ride, although I must admit I was worried beforehand as alot of my horses are under a cloud. He may go now for a hunter chase if there is some cut in the ground,' said permit holder Oliver McKiernan.