With Sean Flanagan missing the action at Punchestown today owing to a one-day suspension, fellow Wexford man Jonathan Moore stepped in for Noel Meade to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle on Minella Fair

The 7/4 favourite, off a 335 day break, mightn't have been as quick as Moore would have liked at the last.

That opened the door a little for Derrinross but Minella Fair kept going well enough to prevail by half a length.

Meade had narrowly lost out with Athenean (beaten a head and the same into third) in the first and after this win he said: "He stays well and loves soft ground. It couldn't be soft enough for him. He's a full-brother to Time For Rupert.

"He fractured his pelvis, it was just a little crack, when he won his bumper at Limerick. That's why he missed the spring and I was just waiting for the ground to get soft enough and he wants a trip.

"He's a chaser really but we'll carry on over hurdles for the moment."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Miracle In Medinah (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards interviewed Thomas Gibney, trainer of Young Paddymc regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring.

Evidence was heard from the trainer who explaned the circumstances surronding the late arrival and apologised for this.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards fined Mr. Gibney €200 under Rule 32 (ii) and reminded him of his future reponsibilities in this regard.

(AM & EM)