Senior Chief gave followers a late scare before justifying 5/4 favouritism in Punchestown's John Ross Memorial Maiden Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Henry De Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Blackmore, successful in yesterday's Grade 2 Red Mills Chase, produced Senior Chief to lead passing Hollow Sound rounding the final turn but with ears pricked approaching the last, idled and briefly surrendered the lead on the run-in.

Senior Chief finished stronger however, retaking the lead close home, for a length win from Hollow Sound.

De Bromhead reported “I'm delighted with and he's a horse we like a lot and he was good there.

“He still looked a bit green but he jumped really well. I think his main aim is the auction final back here at the festival.”

Quotes from Gary Carson