Nucky Johnson and Liam McKenna © Photo Healy Racing
Nucky Johnson (7/2) continued trainer Noel Meade's good run of form when taking the rated novice hurdle under Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Liam McKenna.
Having moved into second on the run to two out, the Vadamos gelding gradually reeled in front-running 3/1 favourite Doyen Ta Win and swept past that one on the run-in to score by five and a half lengths.
A bumper winner at Fairyhouse in October, the five-year-old was promoted to first after being hampered close home in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown the following month.
Meade said: “I thought before the turn in that it was in doubt but he said when he picked him up he picked up quick enough.
“We put him away for the whole winter and gave him a break because we thought he wouldn’t go on soft ground. Even though that’s soft ground it’s not testing winter ground.
“He hasn’t done much wrong and if he’s alright he’ll probably go to Fairyhouse for the two-mile novice.
“He’s not big and I’d say he’ll run on the Flat as well.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
