Choice Of Words runs away with her race

Choice Of Words justified strong market support with a clear-cut success in the mares' point-to-point bumper at Punchestown.

The 6/5 favourite began to increase her advantage as she straightened for home.

She moved clear inside the final quarter of a mile and swept home by an eased down 13 lengths. Broomfield Hall (11/2) won the race for second by a length and a half from Templa's Dawn (40/1).

Jockey Pat Taaffe said: “She was very gutsy. That's the first time I rode her with a bit of daylight.

“We thought it might have been too soon after 13 days but Martin had her on the button.

“I have to say a big thanks to Martin and to Mr and Mrs Dwyer for letting me ride her. It's easy enough to put an experienced amateur on when you have a fancied one but they were loyal to me and I'm happy that I paid them back.

“She's by Yeats and they stay fairly well, she's well able to handle the ground as well. She's a tough, gutsy, mare and no doubt she'll do good things in the future.”

Choice Of Words had finished a 29-length runner-up in a mares' bumper at Gowran Park at the start of the month.

The Stewards interviewed Mr. B. Lawless, rider of Steak And Onions concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he had used his whip excessively and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. B. Lawless was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for two race days.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson