Hiaou showed a game attitude and staying qualities in winning Punchestown's 20% Off Festival Tickets Maiden Hurdle (div I) today, rallying on the run-in to beat runner-up Goven which had matched at 1.03 in-running.

Ridden by Jack Kennedy, French-bred Hiaou was narrowly headed by Goven approaching the final flight and while Goven appeared set to score on the run-in, Hiaou battled well to edge ahead close home, for a three parts of a length win.

Following the race winning trainer Gordon Elliott reported “he did everything wrong and Jack said he needed a better gallop. The one thing I like about him is he’s gutsy and he couldn’t pull him up after the line.

“He’s still a big weak horse and I’d say we could step him out in trip. He’ll have a few more runs this year and he could be on the Cheltenham team.”

Quotes from Alan Magee