He's a Man on the up

The Punchestown Handicap Hurdle appeared to be an extremely competitive heat with any number of the runners fancied and one of those for money, He's Our Man (12s into 8s) comprehensively took the spoils under Andrew McNamara.

He may have had his ears pricked, up the run-in, but McNamara was alert to the victorious seven-year old's idleness and the pair crossed the line a length and three parts in front of Golanbrook

He's Our Man gave Ross O'Sullivan his first success in the training ranks at Limerick 25 days ago and after this win it was left to McNamara to debrief the press. He said: "I was a bit handier than intended. He can be a bit lairy in front but he stays two miles very well.

"He might sneak in at the bottom of the handicap in something like the Galway Hurdle although his weight would probably be a bit too light for me to be on board." (AM & EM)