War returns to Punchestown

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition faces six rivals on his return to the track at Punchestown on Thursday.

Mouse Morris’ peerless chaser makes his seasonal bow for a second consecutive year in the Listed Star “Best For Racing” Chase.

War Of Attrition lowered the colours of Kicking King in the 2005 renewal of the two-mile-six-furlong contest and faces another stiff examination this time around in the hands of Conor O’Dwyer.

Noel Meade had the choice of Sir Oj, Star Clipper, Wild Passion and Watson Lake but elected to run the latter, who was last seen finishing fourth to War Of Attrition in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup in April.

Irish Grand National winner Point Barrow, trained by Pat Hughes, is also set to take his chance.

Dix Villez put up a pleasing performance when third in the Munster National earlier in the month and makes a quick return for Paul Nolan.

Munster National seventh Strong Project is still engaged having finished fourth in the race last year, while Edward Hales’ Public Reaction and Anthony Mullins’ Barrow Drive complete the line-up.