Protest raises the roof

Rooftop Protest sprung a minor surprise when seeing off odds-on favourite Rocket Ship in the Diffusion Event Management Hurdle at Punchestown.

The two-mile-two-furlong race lost much of its lustre when Wild Passion was a late withdrawal due to trainer Noel Meade’s concerns over the ground which was described as good to yielding, good in places.

However, Meade was still represented by the 4-5 favourite Rocket Ship and he looked to be travelling well as the four runners headed for home.

Paul Carberry had to get to work after the second-last flight on Meade’s charge but Rooftop Protest, who had always been in the front-rank, had plenty left in the tank.

Conditional rider David Flannery kicked on coming to the last and eased away to win in fine style by 12 lengths.

Master Albert, the 7-1 outsider, stayed on for second with Rocket Ship in third.

Rooftop Protest won at Market Rasen last month before finishing down the field in the Irish Cesarewitch on the Flat last time.

Trainer Tom Hogan said: “It’s nice to find a Listed race where the favourite didn’t stay and the other two weren’t fit.

“If there was a special Olympics for horses he would win a gold medal as one of his pasterns is an inch and a half longer than the other.

“He has a heart as big as a lion though.

“He’s won a lot more than we ever thought we could with him but there are no plans. He may jump a fence next season.”