Won In The Dark Opts for Punchestown The connections of exciting champion hurdle prospect Won in The Dark have opted to run at Punchestown Winter Festival rather than at Cheltenham this weekend. Sabrina Harty's impressive winner of the Grade 1 Eventus Marquees Champion four year old Hurdle this year's Punchestown festival, holds entries in both the Maplewood and Greatwood Hurdles. A combination of ground conditions and handicap mark over the water means that the ?100,000 Grade 1 contest at Punchestown is the more appealing option. Harty said "Having looked at both races the Maplewood would certainly be our preference at this stage but the going will be the deciding factor. It's not suitable at present but if it stays dry towards the weekend we will probably take our chances". This will be Won In The Dark's second outing this season having run a very respectable race in the 2 mile November Handicap at Leopardstown where he finished an eye catching fifth. The Punchestown November Winter Festival takes place on 15th and 16th of November and features a total of three graded races.
