Silent Flight swoops to conquer in Punchestown A plunge on Moonlight Getaway (9/1 - 10/3f) was foiled when he weakened on the run-in of the Book Your Festival Hospitality Now Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown to give best to Silent Flight. Moonlight Getaway was on good terms with himself as he led the field over two out and travelled well for Phillip Enright to assert before the last. He was soon a good five lengths clear, however, Silent Flight was making rapid gains and motored into second over the last. Moonlight Getaway tied up in the closing stages, though, as Silent Flight and Jody McGarvey swooped to conquer by a going away three and a-quarter lengths. Balum (33/1) gave her backers a place dividend in third, beaten four and a-half lengths by the winner. Silent Flight was backed from 10/1 to 17/2 'in the ring' but was available at 50s and 66s this morning. There were three non runners - Jacenry, Oneforgonzo and Mythical Times. “We're very happy with that. He's a home-bred horse, we won with his sister a couple of years ago, and he's from a nice family. His brother was a good horse, All For Joy,” trainer Philip Byrne said. “He was impressive enough there and stayed going through the soft ground. We'll look for something similar and see what the handicapper says. “It was a good run back the last day after a year off the track. We were happy enough with him. “He's had bits of problems along the way and hasn't had many runs for his age.” The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.I. Duggan, rider of fifth-placed Glenabo Bridge, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, J.I. Duggan accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found J.I. Duggan was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and in considering his record in this regard (third offence) they suspended him for 10 racedays. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards ordered him to attend RACE for one day whip tuition. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
