Lynch takes 1st 2 at Limerick

Andrew Lynch made it a double at Limerick when in race two he got Brendan Duke's Punch Bag home by half a length in the Mike Denver Plays Limerick Racecourse Live On The 23rd July Rated Hurdle.

The Teofilo four-year-old is a likeable youngster and though Storm Away travelled more like a winner to the business end the victor 'toughed' it out well to prevail.

"Today is the day after American Independence Day he needed to earn his stripes, as he already is a star!" declared Duke.

"It is unlikely he will run many times and will run at Ballinrobe in a four year old hurdle in a few weeks time. He'll then have one more run before being left off until the spring but I'll have to break that news to his owners first!

"He is progressive and will improve further and if he is lucky in life, he has a bright future." Lynch landed the first on Anthony Mulholland's Myles Ahead

Following his comeback ride on Waver (finished sixth) Barry Geraghty said: "I had a good blow walking the course earlier as it started to rain going up the back straight; I'm fine riding but would be easily beaten in a race!"

"It's brilliant and great (to get the McManus job) and that was a nice intro."

(TW & EM)