Consecutive wins for Dwan

Jockey Evan Dwan registered a second winner in as many days at Punchestown today, steering Bonnie Kellie to win the John Thomas McNamara (QR) Handicap Hurdle for his employer trainer Sam Curling.

The daughter of Shantou was a final flight faller, when second, on her previous start at Naas in December and today scored under a nicely timed challenge, to beat Cosa Ban by five lengths.

It was Dwan's fourth racecourse win and following the race trainer Curling said “I'm delighted for Evan as he's had no luck with injuries.

“He's been plagued and got hurt at home earlier in the season as well. He rode a point-to-point winner for us (Dwan's only ride) yesterday and hopefully he can get a bit of momentum now. He's a great worker and well able to ride.”

He added “she did it well, she had a good run the last day, had a break and came back and improved plenty and she's been working well.

“She's a grand filly and I'd say we'll get her out again soon enough. The ground was my only worry, I thought she'd want it a bit looser.

“She had a good first run on good ground, she was a bit weak last year, and she'll be grand on better ground as well. She has run over fences as well so she can go back to that.”

Quotes from Gary Carson