Punchestown winner for Dermot McLoughlin

The ups and downs of racing were evident as trainer Dermot McLoughlin explained after winning a handicap hurdle at Punchestown today.

Thunderosa won the David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Handicap Hurdle in good style for owner Fidelma O'Toole who also owns Captain Cj.

Today's winner showed recent good form with placed efforts at Navan and Fairyhouse in January.

“That’s a bit of a boost for the owners as they also have Captain Cj who got hurt yesterday," stated McLoughlin in a post-race interview with irishracing.com.

"He cracked his pastern joint just out for a hack canter and will have an operation tomorrow.

" It will need a couple of screws and he will have to stand in his box for about two months," added McLoughlin.

Trainer Noel Meade was also on the mark with recent Navan winner Thedevilscoachman which could head for Cheltenham.

Thedevilscoachman was too good for the Keri Brion-trained French Light and won by two lengths.

The Chris Jones-owned Gigolo’ Dai Dai added another winner to the tally of trainer Henry de Bromhead when landing the last race, the bumper.

Champion jockey Paul Townend had a double today to go four in front of Rachael Blackmore in the title race (81-77).