Power plays leading role on Phantom

Grand National-winning rider Robbie Power popped Phantom Lad out in front and the pair never saw another rival in recording an all-the-way success in the Aon Hurdle – the opening race on day two of the Punchestown Festival.

Jessica Harrington’s 13-2 chance was being gunned down by the Nicky Henderson-trained Ingratitude after the final flight in the two-mile event but held on to collect by a length and a quarter.

Harrington said: “Robbie said he rode him wrong the last day in Fairyhouse; he should have made more use of him as he just stays.

“I thought they were going to get to him but he has stayed really well again. I might step him up in trip.”