Bookmakers have enjoyed by far the best of the exchanges so far at Punchestown this week, and the pain continued for punters when 16/1 chance Tornado Shay took the AON Hurdle in fine style.
Philip Enright's mount was never far from the pace and made the decisive move when kicking clear off the home bend.
The six-year-old could even afford to make a mistake at the last and still beat Son Amix (7/1) by four lengths with Bagber (6/1) a further two lengths back in third. The well-backed 6/4 favourite, Prince Of Pirates was soundly beaten before the straight and eventually finished eighth.
Winning trainer Thomond O'Mara said: “The two and a half miles made a difference to him as he was not jumping with confidence over two miles. He's always been a nice horse and the good ground also helped. He'll stick to two and a half miles plus over hurdles next season, and will probably have a summer campaign on the Flat.”
