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Grade 1 AES Champion 4yo Hurdle Attracts 22 Entries
18/04/11

Unaccompanied is among 22 entries for the 80,000 euros AES Champion 4YO Hurdle over two miles at Punchestown on Saturday, May 7.

Kumbeshwar
© Racehorse Photos

The Dermot Weld-trained filly has won the Listed Alleged Stakes on the Flat since her excellent second to Zarkandar in the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. She had previously defeated the Edward O’Grady-trained Sailors Warn, the Ado McGuinness-trained Fearless Falcon and the Jessica Harrington-trained Chaperoned into the minor places when winning the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February.

Among the entries are five high-class candidates from Britain, including the Alan King-trained Kumbeshwar, runner-up to Zarkandar at Aintree last time, and the Nicky Henderson-trained Grandouet, third in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Third Intention from the Colin Tizzard yard won at Cheltenham on April 14, while Paul Nicholls could saddle Empire Levant and Brendan Powell has engaged Pullyourfingerout.

Kumbeshwar had finished a neck second to the Arthur Moore-trained What A Charm in the Grade 3 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Others of note include the O’Grady-trained Rigidity who held the John O’Shea-trained Devils Bit at Gowran in February, the Mouse Morris-trained Tillahow, and Twinlight, an interesting French import from the Willie Mullins yard.

The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday, May 3, to Saturday, May 7, 2011 and includes 11 Grade 1 races over the five days. First race 3.40pm (2.30pm Saturday).

Visit www.punchestown.com to book tickets, find accommodation and arrange transport to and from the Festival.