Kilmessan-trained winner of Punchestown opener

Kilmessan trainer Matthew Smith added an early Meath theme to the second day of the Punchestown Festival when he took the opner with Prince Garyantle.

The Smith-trained runner was partnered by Adam Short in the final of the Adare Manor Opportunity Series as the 25/1 chance returned to action for the first time since running at Kildare track in October where he finished down the field behind Ben Dundee.

Prince Garyantle won first time out for Smith at Tramore 12 months ago and followed that with wins at Kilbeggan and Clonmel and today held off the challenge of English runner Man Of Plenty from two out.

 “I was a little bit worried that fitness might catch him out as it is six months since he ran, I’m delighted as they are a sound bunch of lads that own him," commented the trainer about the Home & Dry Syndicate.

 

GORDON ELLIOTT V WILLIE MULLINS

Willie Mullins took the second race and closed the gap on Gordon Ellioptt by some E17,000