Sandymount Duke, left, clears the last in front at Punchestown © Photo Healy Racing
Sandymount Duke looked to have plenty on his plate in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown but he saw off all the strong travellers to win by three lengths.
He was beaten by half a length over two miles at this track last month and punters latched onto that form in backing him from an opening show of 6/4 down to 10/11 favourite on the off. De Name Escapes Me was the one that caught the eye moving smoothly and he looked a big danger as moved into contention behind Sandymount Duke on the home bend.
The favourite kept finding for Robbie Power though and it became evident that De Name Escapes Me and Klinnsman had a job on their hands once they came off the bridle.
Although the winner wasn't fluent at the last, he forged on and closed any window of opportunity for the two pursuers as he hit the line clear of Klinsmann (5/1) and De Name Escapes Me (5/2).
"I'm delighted with him. He just lobs away in front and when the others came to him he quickened up," said Jessica Harrington.
"He'll head on now for a novice hurdle over two-and-a-half and we could look at Galway.
"He jumps great and does everything right. We'll wait to next year to go chasing. He's big enough to jump a fence.
"It was Ronnie's birthday last Monday - he was 68. He's in Minneapolis at the moment on tour."
The winner is owned by Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
