Hand it to Danny - first winner in last hurdle race of 2016

Not too long after opting to join the paid ranks, Navan man Danny Hand made it into the winners enclosure at Punchestown on New Year's Eve for his first winner on the track with the Dermot McLoughlin-trained Tethra.

The five-year-old (at the time) filly was formerly trained in England by Richard Fahey, but on Saturday was also enjoying that 'first' experience for the first time after landing the last hurdle race of 2016.

Fourth in the race 12 months ago for McLoughlin, but now running for owner Sean Gallagher, Tethra recovered to give Hand that memorable first racecourse winner despite rearing after a false start in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

It was a Meath one-two in the contest as the Gerry Keane-trained Rapid Fitz made it an exciting finish and was closing all the time to get within half-a-length of Tethra.

However, Hand coaxed enough out of his willing partner to hang on for what was a memorable way to finish 2016.

'She's a bit quirky, and I think there is plenty of improvement in her. I was lucky enough and got a nice run through,' commented Hand to irishracing.com.

Hand has been with the Ratoath-based trainer since the summer and will be eagerly trying to add more winners to his tally in 2017.