Castleheath wins Punchestown's opener

Written by Tom Weekes

Castleheath provided his winning owners with a boost today, as the Ciaran Murphy-trained gelding landed Punchestown’s opening €50,000 BetVictor Graduation Bonus Series Maiden Hurdle under jockey Eoin Walsh.

The son of Elzaam made most of the running and while headed by Ballyearl after halfway, regained the advantage from the second-last and scored comfortably from Ephesus with third-placed Money Dancer (5/6f) fading on the run-in.

Trainer Murphy reported “he’d a lovely first run over hurdles and has come forward nicely. He’s been doing it at home but when he had no company in front, he was still a bit green. When he had company he was much slicker in his jumping.

“He’s won on the Flat and he’s won over hurdles now and he’ll probably mix it between both as the season goes on.

“The owners are Niall and Cathal Slevin and their father Michael, who has been very sick and is watching at home, is a great supporter of mine.”

Quotes from Alan Magee