Straight John lived up his very short odds in the betting, taking the opening maiden hurdle over two miles at Punchestown on Wednesday.
Jack Kennedy made all of the running but had to drive the winner out to score by almost four lengths for trainer Gordon Elliott in the colours of Robcour.
Straight John returned the 30-100 favourite and was winning for the first time at the third attempt. On his previous start, in a similar event at this track, he finished nine lengths second to the Cheltenham-bound Leader D’Allier.
“We kept it simple on him today and he is learning plenty. I would stay he can stay further and that he would be better with a lead,” Kennedy told Racing TV.
Upcoming Fixtures
Clonmel Thurs Feb 26 (first race 1.24pm)
Dundalk Fri Feb 27 (first race 3.50pm)
Navan Sat Feb 28 (first race 1.18pm)
