A touch of Italy in Punchestown opener

Il Fenomeno won a rousing finale to the opener at Punchestown, the Buy Your 2012 Annual Badge Maiden Hurdle, to continue the fantastic run of success currently being enjoyed by the Noel Meade yard. As was the case with yesterday's winner for Tu Va, Sword Of Destiny, Davy Russell was again in the plate in the silks of Gigginstown House Stud.

A stakes winner on the level in his native Italy, Il Fenomeno won a Group 3 and competed in Group 1s over there. Here he was dropping back from the Grade 1 company he competed in at the Festival back in May. He stayed on well after leading from before the last to beat Run With The Wind by a neck. Letter Of Credit had plenty on his plate when he made a mistake at the last and favourite Mississippi River made a bad mistake at the third and he eventually finished sixth.

Meade said: "He was bought at the Arc Sale last year (70K Euro). We didn't want to win an ordinary race last season with him and lose his novice status. We took a shot at some good races with him."

Meade then commented tongue-in-cheek: "The 2nd there is rated 107 so I'd be quite happy if our fella got a mark of 108."

He continued: "We think he's a nice horse and he's been very genuine and straight-up at home in everything he's done.

"Davy said he fought for him well. He's come back with a bit of a cut but hopefully it's not too serious. He was probably a bit fresh and got a bit of a knock at the first I'd say."