Passion holds on in Punchestown thriller

Wild Passion put up a gutsy performance to claim the Grade One Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown today.

The Noel Meade-trained winner was in front two flights from home but had to give his all for Paul Carberry to hold the persistent challenge of Kill Devil Hill.

Wild Passion, sent off the 7-4 favourite, stuck his neck out to prevail by a short head in a thrilling finish, while In Compliance plugged on for third.

Tony McCoy made the early pace on Man About Town, with Wild Passion tracking the leader until moving through at the seventh flight.

He soon opened up a couple of lengths lead, but Carberry was really having to get to work turning for home as Kill Devil Hill started to run on from the back.

Approaching the last, Kill Devil Hill was still staying on while In Compliance tried to deliver his challenge through the middle.

Wild Passion pulled out all the stops, though, and stuck to his task gamely as Kill Devil Hill just could not find the necessary extra.