Former Ireland star gives positive update on horse after Punchestown Festival fall

Kevin Doyle has given a positive update on Montecam after his horse suffered a fall at the Punchestown Festival last week.

The five-year-old fell at the first in a novice hurdle on the penultimate day of the meeting, but Doyle reported that the horse returned home "safe and sound" afterwards.

He wrote on X over the weekend: "Great to have Montecam home safe and sound after his fall yesterday and looking none the worse for it, out with Baby Kate for a good summer break."

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The Nicky Henderson-trained horse won for the first time at Hereford last month, when landing a maiden hurdle after being sent off the 2/5 favourite, and was 12/1 for last Friday's race at Punchestown.

But Eagle Fang secured a thrilling 22-1 victory in the Uniquely Novice Hurdle for trainer William Durkan and jockey Oakley Brown after Montecam fell at the first.

Victory looked assured for the Paul Townend-ridden 11-8 favourite Anotherway when he jumped the last three lengths clear, but an awkward landing cost him dearly, with Eagle Fang and 25-1 shot Ataboycharlie both coming through strongly to fight out the finish.

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