Pittoni takes the feature

Pittoni justified odds of 1/2 (from 10/11 in the morning), but not before giving his supporters a few anxious seconds, eventually accounting for Doctor Deejay in the Grade 3 Visit Punchestown.com Juvenile Hurdle by a comfortable enough length and three parts.

Settled in rear, Paul Carberry sent the very well-bred ex-John Oxx inmate to the front before four out. Himself and Doctor Deejay disputed travelling well from two out but a better leap at the last by Pittoni edged the argument in his favour.

Successful trainer, Charles Byrnes said of his course winner from New Year's Eve: "He did it okay. He is in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown on February 7th (the Spring Juvenile Hurdle - now 5/2 with Ladbrokes) and we'll know what level he's at after that. I told Paul not to let it turn into a sprint and that's why he went on from so far out.

"I didn't expect him to sit last early but they'll never again be a Paul Carberry."

Speaking of his stable star, Solwhit, bound for Sunday's Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle, the Limerick trainer remarked: "All's well for Sunday, I'm looking forward to it."

Meanwhile he added: "Weapon’s Amnesty will probably go for the Grade 1 Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase on February 7th."