Adjisa shows the right spirit as principals flop

THE Cathal Ryan Memorial Champion Novice Hurdle, the second Grade 1 on the card at Punchestown last night, was billed as a match between First Lieutenant and So Young.

But they were both very disappointing. First Lieutenant could only stay on at the one pace to fill third, while So Young was in trouble a long way out and trailed in last of the six runners.

Victory went to Spirit Of Adjisa, powerfully handled by Richard Johnson, and a first ever success in Ireland for rising young Welsh trainer, Tim Vaughan.