About four and a quarter lengths separated the first five home and after an exciting conclusion the RacingTV FREE For A Month Handicap Hurdle at Navan went to top-weight Punitive

Under Hugh Morgan, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Henry de Bromhead-trained 4/1 victor led and disputed.

The son of Shantou made a slight mistake three out and he was ridden at the next.

Edging ahead before the last, Punitive kept on well on the run-in, pressed close home before seeing off Sir Bob by half a length.

It was a length and three parts then to 11/10 favourite Cherif De L’Isle in third.

"Hugh was great on him and he toughed it out. He looked to be going well when he fell the last day in Leopardstown," said de Bromhead.

"He likes that ground and seems to be improving all the time. Hopefully the way he jumps a hurdle he'll be nicer again over a fence. We'll look for something similar in the next few weeks and see what the handicapper thinks."

The Stewards interviewed M.P. Walsh, rider of Sir Bob, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that M.P. Walsh was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency.

Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended M.P. Walsh for 1 raceday.

(TW & EM)