Luddsdenene takes his chance

Shifa's defection (not qualified) left the way clear for Luddsdenene (13/8 into 10/11) in division one of the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. He took his opportunity under Declan Bates.

The victorious Beneficial made all and despite jumping a bit left he kept going well to beat Lord Rory by four and a half lengths.

Philip Rothwell trains Luddsdenene for Brian Redmond and John Kinsella and the six-year-old was scoring here at the ninth attempt. Rothwell said: "He didn't make life easy for himself by hanging to the left. I told Declan to use his experience by going out in front.

"When we settled him in before he didn't hang so being in front probably caused that. I'm delighted to have a winner for fantastic owners in Brian Redmond and John Kinsella."