Review punchestown 18th Feb

< Quevega returned to action with a hugely impressive performance under Ruby Walsh in the Book The Punchestown Pavilion At The Festival Hurdle.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare, third when stablemate Hurricane Fly was second in a French Grade One last summer, was still travelling supremely well when she took over jumping the second-last flight.

The 4-5 favourite quickened clear turning for home and Walsh was not required to ask a question as she easily held stable companion Sesenta by four lengths.

Mullins and Walsh completed a double when 1-2 favourite Sports Line ran on powerfully to beat Dundrum by three and a half lengths in the Festival Hospitality Maiden Hurdle.< Realt Dubh has had the misfortune to run into some of the country's top novices this season and snapped up the opportunity to win again in the Five Day Festival Hurdle.

But there was a distinct element of luck about the 9-10 favourite's victory as Otay Kawn was coming to tackle Noel Meade's charge when he landed awkwardly over the last and threw away his chance.

Realt Dubh, who was no match for Cousin Vinny last time, ran on well under Paul Carberry to score by four lengths.< Head Of The Posse made amends for a last-flight fall when vying for the lead on his last outing with victory in the Book Your Festival Tickets Hurdle.

David Casey was content to sit in last place early on but moved up into a threatening position when Deal Done went for home, and he safely negotiated the last this time before throwing down his challenge.

John Kiely's 7-2 shot got on top with 100 yards to travel and won by a neck.

The stable completed a double in the same JP McManus colours when Taking Stock (5-4) showed considerable promise to win the Rockview INH Flat Race by a length and a quarter.

Denis Spillane made a decisive move on Kind Oscar (3-1) on the turn for home in the Brannockstown Mares Maiden Hurdle and she ran on with gusto to score by six lengths.

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