Soldier Solid and Gary Noonan (right) with Fameaftertheglory© Photo Healy Racing
Punchestown's dramatic opening Racing TV Maiden Hurdle was dominated by quirky types with victory in the end going to the Pat Flynn-trained Soldier Solid under jockey Gary Noonan.
Six-to-four favourite I Am Fortunata made the running but with a circuit to race, cocked his jaw passing the horses' gate and exited the race having jumped just five hurdles. That departure left chasing Fameaftertheglory in front but his jumping was ponderous and needed cajoling along.
Winner Soldier Solid (4/1), which had refused to race at Down Royal last month, moved to challenge Fameaftertheglory rounding the final turn, led on the run-in and eventually scored by a half-length.
Third-placed Meritorious arrived from off the pace and was later the subject of a running and riding enquiry.
Having his third hurdles run, Meritorious finished never-nearer, 11 lengths behind the runner-up, with the gelding receiving a 42 days suspension and his jockey Thomas O'Reilly a 10-day ban, under Rule 212.
Winning jockey Noonan has gained momentum in recent months and having ridden his claim-reducing 25th winner, said “he seems to be a very nice horse. I got a grand lead around and he quickened away from the back of the last. I think he's a decent horse.
“He had a good run last time and his first run in a maiden hurdle was a good run as well. I don't know what came over him the day he wouldn't jump off in a bumper.
“Today he got the job done and did it nicely so I'm delighted with him.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
