Il Fenomeno shows his best

Il Fenomeno was mentioned more than once on the Cheltenham preview night circuit. He finished down the field in the Cotswolds, and at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival, but it all came together for the Italian-bred in the bragbet.com Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

Paul Carberry asked the 'sweet-traveller' to go and win his race at the last.

The 16/1 chance went on to beat Sizing Machine by half a length with Enchanting Forest coming home well for third, a neck adrift.

Noel Meade trains Il Fenomeno for Gigginstown House Stud and he said: "I thought he'd win the County Hurdle and couldn't believe when he stopped so quickly.

"I'd suppose he keeps a bit to himself and even today when he got to the front he thought he'd done enough.

"Eddie (O'Leary) suggested that we make the running with him but then we thought that they might go a bit quick.

"I said to Paul to do whatever he wanted.

"I was very disappointed with Paul that day in the Boylesports. I think he would have won there if he'd took his time on him (finished fifth that day at Leopardstown in January behind Abbey Lane).

"His two runs since though were moderate, at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse.

"It's nice to come here and get the win with him. He has loads of ability – he's a Group 3 winner on the flat.

"You'll probably see him jump a fence during the summer." (GC & EM)