Next Destination digs deep in a thriller

Paul Townend was seen at his brilliant best when partnering Next Destination to a hard-earned victory in the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The three-mile test developed into a three-way battle in the straight as the 5/4 favourite was locked in a titanic struggle with Kilbricken Storm and Delta Work

However the well-backed favourite dug really deep under an inspired Townend to hold off Delta Work by a neck, with the Colin Tizzard-trained Kilbricken Storm the same distance back in third.

The trio stretched all of 20 lengths clear of the remainder.

What a difference a day makes - Next Destination wins the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins: pic.twitter.com/Ux9yUtxLue

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 25, 2018

Willie Mullins, “I couldn’t see him winning at any stage until he got his head in front, and when Davy Russell (on Delta Work) came up behind it seemed to spur our fella on. He’s lazy and if you remember back to when he won in Naas he was the opposite and nearly threw away a race by being too keen.

“Paul was able to settle him early on today and keep everything for the end.

“He could easily go chasing next season but I’ll have to discuss that with Mr Denmark. He’ll probably start off chasing and if it doesn’t work out he can go back hurdling. He could be a top class hurdler in the staying division.”

“He was tough and he had to pull out all the stops there. It rode a solid race,” said Townend who was bouncing back in style with a quick double after the drama of his 21-day dangerous riding ban here yesterday.

“Yesterday is yesterday and I'll put it behind me now. I have a good man behind me.”

(GC & AM)