Penhill wins easily on first try at three miles

Penhill made it a treble at Limerick for Paul Townend, and five winners on the day for Willie Mullins, as he ran out an easy winner of the feature Grade 2 Guinness Novice Hurdle.

Successful four times from May to October, the Anthony Bloom owned five-year-old was hampered two out when fourth in the Royal Bond on his last start.

Stepped up in trip to three miles for the first time today, he was sent off at 3/1, with Rathnure Rebel the even money favourite.

Settled in rear, the winner improved a place six out, and moved into third after the third last. He cruised through to lead on the outer before the next, and kept on well from there, going on to score easily by seven lengths. Call The Taxie (25's last night and from 11's to 9's on-course) finished a good second under Rachael Blackmore for Ellmarie Holden, while the favourite Rathnure Rebel could only manage a very disappointing fourth. Livelovelaugh a stablemate to the winner, was backed from 5/1 to 9/4 on-course, but he could only manage a well-beaten third under Patrick Mullins.

Paul Townend said afterwards: "I thought we went a good gallop and he jumped okay but I suppose the step up to three miles helped him. It helps him sort himself out but still galloped into one or two.

"There was a question mark whether he'd get the trip coming here but he got it well and I don't think we hung around."

Paddy Power introduced Penhill at 16/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Rathnure Rebel, trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be both blowing hard and coughing post race and to have a swollen right knee.

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Rathnure Rebel, trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes