Pont Aval back to form to land maiden hurdle

Division one of the Happy Birthday Sarah Ann Madden Maiden Hurdle went to one of the oldest in the line-up, eight-year-old Soldier Of Fortune mare Pont Aval (7/2 — 5/1 — 9/2 2nd favourite) getting it done in race three at Punchestown.

Odds-on market-leader Lifetime Ambition (4/5 into 4/7) folded quickly after a bad mistake two out and he ended up in fourth place.

For owner Nigel King, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, Pont Aval, a bumper winner at Ballinrobe in April 2019, put her stamp on this two and a half miler in the straight.

Pulled up at Limerick at Christmas the Closutton victor eventually beat Casey West and Gold Cup Bailly by nine lengths and four lengths.

“We were lucky to be left in front at the second last but she galloped the whole way to the line,” said Mullins.

“She’d been doing nice work at home for the last couple of weeks. She was disappointing at Christmas and it’s good to see her back to form.

“Two and a half miles plus will be the programme for her for the rest of the season.”

A representative of Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Lifetime Ambition, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge scoped badly post race.

(AM & EM)