Another big winner for Cromwell

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Jer's Girl (11/8 favourite) put in a superb performance to win the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle by 10 lengths under Barry Geraghty for owner J P McManus yesterday at Punchestown.

It was s econd winner at the festival for the Meath trainer who with Elusive Ive the previous day.

'She's very good and we didn't know about this ground but Barry said she is even better on it,' said Cromwell.

'I certainly thought she'd improved from her last run at Fairyhouse but you're going into the unknown taking on these strong geldings here. She's not that big but has a huge heart.

'I'll see what JP and Frank (Berry, racing manager) want to do next season. There are some good mares around and she could step up in trip.'

Geraghty added: 'Jer's Girl had a grab at the first down the back. She has done all her racing on softer ground and it was happening a bit quicker, but she was brilliant after that.

'She was having a big look (approaching the last) and I chased her up because I didn't want to let the revs drop. She just stuck in a short one and was clever - she knows her job. Gavin has done a brilliant job and she seemed to appreciate that ground.'

Champion conditional Jack Kennedy crowned a great season when winning the Hanlon Concrete EBF Glencarraig Lady Mares Handicap Chase on Definite Ruby (8/1) for trainer Gordon Elliott.

'Jack gave her a great ride and having no weight on her back was a big help. I thought it might be short of her best trip but she won and whatever happens from here is a bonus,' said Elliott.

'The plan was to come here, give her a bit of a break and then go back for the Cheltenham meeting in October. Jim and Anne (Power) like to go over there for a weekend so I suppose that could still be on the cards.'

On The Fringe, with Nina Carberry on board, landed his fifth Racing Post Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown, as he completed the treble at the big spring Festivals for the second year in succession.

Yesterday's attendance was 29,419, up from 28,398 on the same day last year.