Askanna bounces back

Askanna got back to winning ways with a game performance in the opening conditions hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.

The Colin Bowe-trained mare lost her unbeaten record at Galway last time, when second to L'Ami, but bounced back in great style in the 2m6f event.

Barry O'Neill sent his mount to the front at the third last after tracking the leader Blazing Beacon Sweet My Lord moved ominously well into contention before the final flight but a better leap gave Askanna the advantage at the last.

She kept on strongly on the run-in as Willie Mullins' charge tried in vain to peg her back, going down by a length-and-a-half.

5/2 favourite Sivota finished four-and-a-half lengths further back in third.

"She's improving all the time and learning how to race. Normally she's on and off it during the race but today she was on it the whole way," said Bowe.

"The last day at Galway she just got caught for a bit of toe. They went a right good gallop today and it suited her.

"There's a mares race at Leopardstown for her (29th Dec). I didn't think she'd handle the heavy ground as well as she's a good mover. She's an out-and-out stayer."