Racing: Under-fire jockey Sam Thomas received a much-needed shot in the arm when Noland lowered the colours of War Of Attrition in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
Thomas has over the past few weeks come in for criticism after the high-profile defeats of Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase and Big Buck's in the Hennessy Gold Cup, both of whom unshipped Thomas at the final fence.
Thomas, stable jockey to trainer Paul Nicholls in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh, was then replaced by Tony McCoy on Master Minded in the Tingle Creek Chase on Saturday — but is now back in the winning groove at the highest level.
Settled in midfield for much of this two-and-a-half-mile contest, the 9-4 joint-favourite moved up to challenge fellow British challenger The Listener for the lead in the back straight and began to assert.
The latter looked beaten when making a bad mistake four fences from home but came back on the run-in and was only half a length in arrears at the line. Former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition plugged on to take third.
"It is really great for Sam to get a Grade One winner under his belt and this will get his confidence back," said Nicholls. "He (Noland) jumped very well and although he idled in the closing stages, this was to be expected and the ground was probably not ideal for him.
"I also want to thank everyone at Punchestown who have helped out over the last few days in what has been a difficult few days. The owner (John Hales) was keen to go for the King George but we have persuaded him to wait a season and stick to middle distances for the time being.
"His main aim would be the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham this season and the plan is for him to have one run beforehand."
Mouse Morris was pleased with the performance of War Of Attrition in ground which would not have suited the nine-year-old.
"He ran a very good race in the ground, as we know he doesn't like it too testing," said Morris. "He travelled well but he probably just got done for toe a little bit with the way the ground is.
"He stayed on well in the end but he was always struggling with the conditions. He seems to have come out of the race fine and, all being well, he will now either go to Kempton for the King George or to Leopardstown for the Lexus."
Results
12.35 Oyster Group Maiden Hurdle
1st Persian City (IRE) 9/4 JFav
2nd Shirley Casper (IRE) 9/4 JFav
3rd Chicago Grey (IRE) 5/1
4th Andrews Pet (IRE) 14/1
1.05 INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle
1st Go Native (IRE) 7/2
2nd China Rock (IRE) 14/1
3rd The Last Derby (FR) 9/4 F
4th Ireland's Call (IRE) 50/1
1.35 Kimpton Vale Handicap Hurdle
1st Imaalhall (IRE) 9/2 F
2nd The Flying Dustman (IRE) 20/1
3rd Dreux (FR) 20/1
4th Got The Urge (IRE) 9/1
2.05 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase
1st Noland (GB) 9/4 JF
2nd The Listener (IRE) 9/2
3rd War Of Attrition (IRE) 9/4 JF
4th Mansony (FR) 10/1
2.35 Weatherbys Ireland GSB H'cap S'chase
1st 2 Kilcrea Castle (IRE) 6/1
2nd 7 Bluesea Cracker (IRE) 9/2
3rd 13 Green Black (FR) 10/1
4th 4 Publican (IRE) 12/1
3.05 Irish Racing Yearbook Beg S'chase
1st 9 Joncol (IRE) 11/4 F
2nd 11 Pesoto (FR) 4/1
3rd 15 Ted Gunther (IRE) 33/1
4th 7 Indian Pace (IRE) 9/2
3.35 Bewleys Hotels&ITBA Bonus (P-Am) Flat Race
1st 4 Bobs Display (IRE) 9/4
2nd 6 Keats Dream 12/1
3rd 8 Perfectly Composed (IRE) 4/1
4th 7 Miss Abrahnovic (IRE) 2/1 F