Drumacoo follows up in style

Drumacoo justified his short price when running out a stylish winner of the 2m6f maiden hurdle at Punchestown. Roi Des Francs took them along but looked a sitting duck as Michael Hourigan's charge loomed large in the straight.

Barry Geraghty sent the 11/10 favourite on at the last and he pulled away in the closing stages for a two-and-a-quarter length success.

The winner, who had been placed over hurdles at Limerick in the spring, was following up on a recent bumper success at Downpatrick.

“I've been minding him and a chaser is what he'll be,” said Hourigan.

“He didn't win his point-to-point but that's not the end of the world and I always knew he would win his bumper and maiden hurdle.

“We won't aim him too high over hurdles and he'll probably go to Limerick (over Christmas). He's a horse to look forward to.”

The winner is owned by Lucy Birley, wife of English businessman and political activist Robin Birley. Lucy Birley is also the ex-wife of musician Bryan Ferry.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)