Punchestown wrap: Dancing City wins Novice Hurdle

Dancing City had to dig deep to repel the challenge of fellow Willie Mullins runner High Class Hero in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

The winner was sent off as the 7-4 favourite in the hands of Paul Townend having claimed Grade One glory at last month's Grand National meeting at Aintree, but he had ground to find with Stellar Story, who had beaten him by just over seven lengths in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.

Dancing City was clearly travelling well at the top of the straight and while he easily had the measure of Stellar Story, High Class Hero served it up to him after jumping the last.

Townend's mount responded to every urging though, and while the second tried his best, Dancing City held a half-length advantage at the line.

On the back of winning at Aintree, Dancing City (7-4F) showed no ill-effects when just getting the better of High Class Hero in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins @punchestownrace