Without Exception times it right in Punchestown Without Exception wore down Blue Reed to claim the first divide of the 0-100 handicap hurdle over an extended two-miles-four-furlongs. Blue Reed looked to be home for all money for favourite backers as he was clear before the last and on the run-in, however, Without Exception was staying on all the while for Tiernan Power Roche and surged home in the closing stages to nab Blue Reed close home. The 4/1 winner beat the 9/4 favourite, who did little wrong, by a length and a-half with Joe's Turn (10/1) eight lengths away in third. Philip Rothwell said: “We went up to Down Royal thinking we were going to get a dig in the ground, but it was like summer good ground on the chase course and he just didn’t act on it. “The plan was to try and find a handicap chase, but there wasn’t one so we said we’d come back for a handicap hurdle. “He loves soft ground and I think he’d be better on the main track here as he’s such a big lad. “I said to Tiernan to stay out wide, he is riding with unbelievable confidence. He’s a great guy and I’m very lucky he’s associated with us. “John (Leckey) is a super owner, he’s a great supported and is with me for years. He never interferes, just let’s me tip away at it. He has a huge interest and is a great guy. I’m very lucky with the people I have around me.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
