Gold strike for Meade
De Valira had his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle hopes dented when he could only finish second behind Orbit O’Gold in the Byrne Group plc Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Noel Meade’s winner was unsighted in the competitive Pierse Hurdle on his last start and as a result was sent off at 50-1 for his return to novice company.
Sent to the front early under Niall ’Slippers’ Madden, he was never headed and ran out a three-length winner.
De Valira (6-4) travelled sweetly for much of the race but could not find any extra in the closing stages.
Perce Rock was sent off favourite but proved a major disappointment and dropped away tamely under Tony McCoy.
