Nucky Johnson, second right© Photo Healy Racing
The placings of the first two home in the first split of the extended two mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown were reversed after a stewards' enquiry as Nucky Johnson (6/1) was given the race for Noel Meade and Bryan Cooper The Big Doyen (11/5) had just shaded the verdict after a thrilling battle in the closing stages with a game Nucky Johnson, however, he drifted across into his rival in the final 50 yards and was demoted to second after originally landing the spoils by a short head.
Spillane's Tower was a notable non runner in this extended two mile maiden hurdle and all the money this morning was for triple bumper winner Hunters Yarn who was backed down to odds on.
The 4/6 favourite held every chance as he raced in the box seat just behind the leader Clonshire River and, indeed, led narrowly at the final flight.
At this stage, both Nucky Johnson and The Big Doyen closed in contention and the pair raced past the favourite halfway up the run-in as he dropped to third, a length off their battle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
