Hidden Cyclone blows his rivals away at Punchestown

All roads lead back to the Cheltenham Festival for Hidden Cyclone after Shark Hanlon’s pride and joy enjoyed his day in the sun with a fine front-running display in the Boylesports Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

The 10-year-old was a bridesmaid on a few occasions last season, finding one too good in the Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown, the Clarence House at Ascot and the Ryanair Chase at Prestbury Park in March.

Falls at Punchestown on his final appearance of the campaign and his comeback run at Thurles added to the frustration, but having chased home the reopposing Twinlight at Leopardstown over Christmas, he was the 6-5 favourite to reverse the placings with an 8lb pull at the weights in this Grade Two event.