The early withdrawal of Identity Thief from the Follow Punchestown On Twitter And Facebook Rated Hurdle at Punchestown today turned the race into an old fashioned 'match' with 1/10 favourite Modem eventually proving too strong for sole rival Baby Jake

Ridden by Mark Bolger, Modem didn't have to work very hard for success with Baby Jake unable to land a blow and having to settle for second spot from start-to-finish.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington was more sporting than most following the win and stated "it's a pity the other horse (Identity Thief, coughing) didn't run but there is nothing we can do about that."

"It was like an exercise gallop.

"He's entered in the Leop Nov Handicap but he may not get into it. He could have a little break and come back for the Boylesports Hurdle at Leopardstown in January as he's been on the go for the summer and has won two on the flat and two hurdles.

"The Grade 2 (WKD Hurdle) in Down Royal (October 30) is another possibility."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee