Bless justifies favouritism under Townend Bless N'ject, the only Willie Mullins trained runner at Punchestown today, justified favouritism as he took the Musgrave SuperValu Supporting Kildare GAA Maiden Hurdle, under Paul Townend. The son of Luso opened at 3/1 on-course, before being backed into 5/2 at the off. The seven-year-old gelding was having his fifth start over hurdles today, and he was stepped up to three miles for the first time after disappointing on his last two outings over two and a half. Prominent throughout, he raced mainly in second, and hit the front before three out. He went a few lengths clear turning into the straight, and while Star Power challenged him at the last, he pulled out more close home to score by two lengths. The aforementioned Star Power, under Davy Russell for Des McDonogh, ran a fine race on his hurdling debut to finish second at 9/2, while Bold Conquest (10/1 to 8’s on-course) was a further eight and a half lengths back in third under Gary Noonan for Dessie Hughes. Paul Townend said afterwards: "He liked the better ground and the three miles, and he was always in his comfort zone. "Hopefully he will go on and win a handicap." After the race Roger Loughran received a one day ban for providing the Stewards with misleading evidence in an Enquiry. Below is the report. The Stewards enquired into an incident before the turn into the straight involving Festival Opera, ridden by A.E. Lynch, unplaced, Rudolf, ridden by R. Loughran unplaced and Star Power, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found the video evidence to be inconclusive and took no action. However, they were of the opinion that R.Loughran was in breach of Rule 272, after giving misleading evidence and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
