Punch Bag and Andrew Lynch jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
Punch Bag was given a well judged ride by Andrew Lynch to make a winning debut over jumps in the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle at Tramore.
Brendan Duke 's charge settled in behind Poker Gold and Holy Water as that pair duelled for the lead in the two-mile contest.
Lynch sent his mount to the front at the second last and he stayed on strongly from the final flight to post a convincing five-length victory over 5/2 joint-favourite Poker Gold.
The 11/2 winner was making his first start in the colours of London-based owners Martin Hayes and Peter Slezak, having formerly been owned by Jackie Bolger.
Duke is aiming high with the Teofilo gelding and said:-
"I'm really glad for the two people that own him. They took a flyer with me last October, they never had a horse before in their life and in fact they came over to buy a puppy and they went back with him!
"I hadn't got him organised jumping wise to run him when I had ground for him and his owners have sat on their hands all winter. I had him entered a couple of times but the ground went against him.
"I think he is pretty smart and he is in the Grade 1 4yo Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday fortnight and I think he needs three weeks before his races. The better the ground the better he is and he is a brilliant jumper.
"He is owned by Martin Hayes and Peter Slezak and they are London based restaurateurs. Paul Binfield (of Paddy Power) talked them into buying him."
Comedy Club was sent off the other 5/2 joint favourite (from 9/2 this morning) but made little impression in fifth.
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)
