Lough Nigara puts it all together in first-time cheekpieces Lough Nigara (5/1) stayed on nicely in first-time cheekpieces to grab an elusive victory in the handicap hurdle over two miles six furlongs at Punchestown. Rockys Howya led the field and had Money Heist, Cathryns Ruby and Lough Nigara chasing him after two out. Top-weight Folly Master soon tacked on in fifth racing around the home bend. Lough Nigara improved into second inside the final couple of furlongs and came through to lead before the last for Ricky Doyle. He asserted on the run-in and took the honours by five and a-half lengths from a keeping-on Folly Master (7/2). Rocky's Howya finished third at 14/1 with Cathryns Ruby filling out the places in fourth at 33/1. Eoin Griffin said: “He’s not winning out of turn. "The ground at Fairyhouse the last day was plenty lively for him, but he came out of it well so I didn’t mind turning him back out this quick. “We stuck the cheekpieces on him today to sharpen him up. He’s tricky enough, as you can see at the start there, but he (Doyle) gave him a nice ride. “I’m delighted to get it for Dunglen Racing. He’s been very consistent for them and it’s nice to get the win. “Hopefully, there is another one in him and we’ll go chasing with him then. “The testing ground is imperative for him. We’ll tip away with him until it dries up.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
