Helensburgh, Albert win at Punchestown

Helensburgh earned a 25-1 quote from Cashmans for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next March after landing the opener at Punchestown…

Helensburgh earned a 25-1 quote from Cashmans for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next March after landing the opener at Punchestown today.

The Pat Hughes-trained colt, a winner at the track on his only other hurdles outing in September, beat Rolling Home by four lengths in the Christmas Parties At Punchestown 3-Y-O Hurdle.

The trainer, who indicated his charge was probably better on good ground and would not be asked to run on heavy over the winter, said: "He has done it nicely."

Master Albert remains unchanged at 14-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle after making it two from two over timber in the Thornberry Hurdle.

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David Wachman's six-year-old, the 9-10 favourite, beat Native Stag by two and a half lengths and could go for the Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse at the end of the month.

The trainer said: "He doesn't really like winter ground and he might get a break over Christmas. He'll make a nice chaser next year."