THE return of flat action to Punchestown after a near 18 years gap was marked by a treble for trainer Joseph O’Brien, with the trio of winners achieved using three different riders all closely associated with the Owning Hill yard.

Fame And Acclaim was sent off 8/13 favourite to complete a hat-trick in the seven-furlong conditions race, with three absentees due to the testing ground (officially soft, soft to heavy in places) leaving just four going to post. However, the contest still produced a thrilling spectacle with Eldama looking set to score a furlong out before Declan McDonogh’s mount rallied strongly to prevail by three quarters of a length.