Roc 'n Rothwell win festival opener

Trainer Philip Rothwell won Punchestown festival's opening race today, the Say Yes To Organ Donation Novice Handicap Hurdle with 25/1 shot Cousin Harry which foiled well-backed runner-up Light Brigade (5/1f) in the 22-runner race.

Backed from 8/1 this morning to 5/1 favourite, ex-Charles Byrnes trained Light Brigade today debuted for new handler Robbie Burns and in the race was edged out close home by faster-finishing Cousin Harry, under a well judged waiting ride from Paddy O'Hanlon.

Jockey O'Hanlon, based with Irish Grand National winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin, came in for praise from Rothwell post-race, saying “Paddy has been lucky for me and that's his second winner in the last few months and I've tried to support him.”

He added “we've been really happy with this horse; he won very well in Navan and then we tried him over 2m4f in Fairyhouse and it was arguable whether he didn't get the trip there or ran too keen.

“Michael Carthy heads up the (Roc Racing) syndicate and every horse they've had with me has won. This fella has been great this year.

“I'm absolutely thrilled. We have three runners today but I don't have a huge number for the week.”

Quotes from Gary Carson