Drama at Punchestown

There was controversy after the opening race at Punchestown when first-past-the-post Blueberry Boy was demoted to second after being deemed to have caused interference in the closing stages.

The Paul Stafford-trained six-year-old drifted left approaching the final flight in the INH Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle, coming very close to Mounthenry in the process.

Blueberry Boy (7-2) then swerved violently left on the run to the line but was still marginally in front passing the post.

However, the stewards ruled his drifting had cost Mounthenry the race and awarded the Listed contest to the 2-1 favourite, with a neck the winning distance.