Double for McManus in opening races at Punchestown

The Listed I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle at Punchestown saw J P McManus double up in race two on the programme, Thedevilscoachman (5/4 — 10/11 — 15/8 favourite) delivering for Noel Meade and Mark Walsh.

Hot-on-the-heels of a treble at Naas yesterday, Walsh here rode his fourth winner in succession as the Tu Va runner beat American raider French Light by two lengths.

McManus landed the spoils half-an-hour earlier with Shady Operator in the cross-country. Enda Bolger and Derek O’Connor shared in that success.

Thedevilscoachman raced close up and he disputed the lead at times. Gaining a narrow lead after two out, the Elusive Pimpernel gelding was ridden and strongly pressed before last, keeping on well on the run-in for a convincing victory.

“It was a nice race for him. He’s so laidback - he just does whatever you want him to do,” said Meade.

“I’ll have to talk to Frank (Berry, racing manager) and JP about plans and see what they are thinking. We’ll see where the handicapper puts him in.

“He’s a nice horse to have. When you pick him up he has a great turn of foot which is what you want in a real racehorse.”

For the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Thedevilscoachman is 16/1 unchanged with Paddy Power and Betfair.

(AM & EM)