Robindevidastar is the one to beat over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Robindevidastar made a winning start to life with Philip Rothwell in the second split of the extended two mile five handicap hurdle at Punchestown.
The son of Robin Des Champs last ran for Steven Ryder when unplaced at Limerick last Christmas.
James O'Sullivan worked him into the lead coming to the final flight and the six-year-old gelding was tough on the run-in as he fended off Different Beat by half a length.
He didn't go unbacked at 12/1 while the runner-up was also a 12/1 shot. Corrigaleen took third at 22/1 in front of 2/1 favourite My Newbrook Rose
Rothwell said: “I'm delighted, it's the horse's first run for me. I said to Mr and Mrs Shanahan this morning that I fancied him and that I thought he'd run a big race.
“I would have been disappointed if he wasn't in the first three. It's nice when you voice a bit of confidence, and you've never given him a gallop on grass yourself, it's great that it worked out.
“He was 30/1 this morning and and of my friends that rang me this morning I told them he had a good each-way shout.
“Usually I'd always be saying to James to hang on to them but today I said to him if he was travelling anyway well to kick on early on this lad as he stays going.
"I don't know that he'd want it very heavy, that was probably yielding out there and it was grand. He'll go on a little bit softer. It was a good start.”
This was his first career success on his seventh outing.
The Stewards interviewed J.M. Moore, rider of Different Beat, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that J. M. Moore was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard the Stewards suspended J. M. Moore for one raceday.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
