So Young and so promising

SO YOUNG remains on course for the Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham following a smooth success in the Punchestown.com For Festival Offers Novice Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.

Impressive on his Irish debut at Leopardstown, the five-year-old was sent off a red-hot 1/6 favourite (from 1/4) and, having tracked Big Game Hunter throughout, was allowed edge into the lead approaching the final flight by Paul Townend before drawing away on the run-in to score by five lengths.

So Young carries the colours of Madeline McMahon, whose bookmaker son Luke described the winner as “well bought” after his three successes in France.