Last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Back In Front returned to form at Punchestown today where Barry Geraghty's mount led home a 1-2 for trainer Edward O'Grady in the featured Grade 2 Morgiana Hurdle.
Solerina made a valiant attempt to make all but gave best on the run-in with Back In Front, who looked beaten turning into the straight, storming home to gain a length and a half success over stablemate Sacundai.
A delighted O'Grady reported 'he looked well held turning in but battled well. He looks more like a Spring horse but needs to sharpen up.' The horse remains an 8/1 shot for the Champion Hurdle.
Seventh placed Scottish Memories was found to be coughing post race.
O'Grady later completed a double when newcomer Sidalcea (a half brother to Best Mate) provided Kevin Power with his second bumper win in as many days.
Charlie Swan's horses are hitting top form and his Anxious Moments won the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase under David Casey. Golden Row looked the likely winner before the last but Anxious Moments found more to gain a four length win.
Anxious Moments was introduced at 16/1 for the Arkle Chase next March.
Satco Express put up a game front running performance to win the Irish Field Chase. Shay Barry's mount was headed by Beausheram half a mile out but battled back to lead before the final fence.
Trainer Eamonn Sheehy reported that the gelding had slipped twice, resulting in his two mistakes on his chase debut at Cork recently.
The opening three year old hurdle was won by Mick Halford's former Flat winner Berkeley Note. The winner jumped well but needed a forceful drive from Paul Carberry to win by a head. Halford later reported 'jumping is her game and she should make the grade at this game.'
Charles Byrnes' Newratking won the 2m6f handicap chase while Doonaree benefited from a well judged ride from last season's Champion Claiming Jockey Keith Hadnett to win the Kilwarden Handicap Hurdle.
