Brighterdaysahead takes down State Man in thrilling Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown

Jockey Jack Kennedy said Brighterdaysahead had to "do it the hard way".

Brighterdaysahead and Jack Kennedy win the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown for owners Gigginstown and trainer Gordon Elliott from State Man.Picture: Healy Racing

Gigginstown House Stud’s Brighterdaysahead lowered the colours of Champion Hurdler State Man with a display of maturity and class in the Grade One Unibet Morgiana Hurdle on a fine card on Saturday afternoon at Punchestown.

In the absence of another leading mare, Lossiemouth, the market focused on these two and Jack Kennedy set out to make all the running aboard the Gordon Elliott-trained mare.