Albert Bartlett under consideration for Gavin Cromwell's maiden hurdle winner

Monday: Punchestown

Gavin Cromwell enjoyed a productive afternoon as he landed a double on the card, headlined by Letsbeclearaboutit winning the 3m½f maiden hurdle.

The eight-year-old justified favouritism under Keith Donoghue, pulling 22 lengths clear of Rowdy Romeo in second, and Cromwell was pleased the son of Flemensfirth was able to get off the mark over obstacles.

He said: "That was more relief than anything. He was good in fairness and jumped well. He has experience now and would want to be winning that but I'm delighted."

Letsbeclearaboutit had some solid bumper form from the 2020-21 campaign and has been consistent in better company over hurdles this season.

He finished second behind American Mike on his reappearance at Down Royal in November, and filled that same position in a Grade 2 at Limerick over Christmas behind the promising Favori De Champdou.

Letsbeclearaboutit has received quotes of 16-1 with Paddy Power for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham in March, but Cromwell has not ruled out the possibility of running the winner over fences.

He added: "I'll talk to the owners and see where we'll go next and I’d like to give him an Albert Bartlett entry, but he'll definitely go chasing at some stage.

"Whether we go chasing now or we continue over hurdles I’m not sure. He's a proper three miler."

Earlier on the card, Cromwell saddled the unexposed The King Of Prs to win the 2m handicap hurdle.

Purple patch continues

Fresh from winning the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday with Rebel Gold, Pat Foley was in the winner's enclosure again as the well-backed Verdant Place emerged victorious in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle under Simon Torrens.

The JP McManus-owned gelding backed up a promising third at this track in November by staying on well to land the spoils, and Foley feels there might be more to come once he matures.

He said: "We were a bit worried about the ground but he's done it well and Simon said he'll stay further. He's still a big baby and only learning, so it will take a bit of time for the penny to drop."

Verdant Place: on the way to victory at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Reflecting on the weekend, Foley added: "It's been a great last three days with a winner, a second and another winner. Thank God the horses are running well."

Eabha cruises around

Eabha Grace scored at odds of 1-10 with the minimum of fuss for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the 2m4½f mares' maiden hurdle.

The six-year-old had some promising form over obstacles to her name this season, finishing behind the likes of Hiddenvalley Lake and Halka Du Tabert, and Townend was impressed with the mare's attitude.

He said: "She jumped fine and got another round of schooling in really. She came alive coming around the bend for me and she is a fine, big mare and she was unlucky to run into one the last day.

"She was too fresh the first day but settled well today, she’s a great ride and you can put her where you want."

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