Direct Image continued her winning run when making it five in a row in the Watch Racing Free Online With Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

The Robert Tyner-trained mare won a hurdle and two chases last year and returned after a six months winter break to score in great style over hurdles at Tipperary earlier this month.

A 16lb hike in the weights made life tougher here but the 5/2 favourite was up to the challenge getting on top after the last to beat Loudest Whisper by a length and a half.

The pair stretched a further nine and a half lengths clear of top-weight Whatucallher in third.

Winning rider Phillip Enright said, “She’s a great little mare and is improving with every run. She’s really had to dig deep today and she showed she has guts.

“She got underneath the last a little bit but in fairness every time I asked her she picked up for me. She galloped all the way to the line.

“This race was supposed to be 3m2f but when it was knocked back to three miles we were a bit disappointed as she stays real well. Thankfully she grounded it out.

“She’s been a brilliant servant to Michael (Walsh) and John (Carroll) who own her. They have been patient as it took a long time to get her right but they are reaping the rewards now.”