Listed 1-2 at Punchestown

On Sunday at Punchestown Sinoria led home a 1-2 for Cheltenham Sales graduates in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Listed Novice Hurdle when getting the better of Chosen Mate in a protracted dual up the home straight.

The daughter of Oscar battled back bravely under Rachael Blackmore when headed a furlong from out to assert close home for Henry De Bromhead and owner Kenneth Alexander. A half-sister to Gold Cup runner-up Minella Rocco she won her Maiden point-to-point for handler Richard Black before realising £130,000 at last year’s Festival Sale. She was subsequently introduced at 16/1 in the ante-post market for the Mares’ Novice Hurdle at the Festival.

The runner-up Chosen Mate, who was purchased for £32,000 at the November Sale from Colin McKeever lost nothing in defeat for Gordon Elliott and The Northern Four Racing Partnership and looks one to keep on the right side of next time out.