Petit scores in big chase test

IRISH Champion Hurdle winner Petit Mouchoir is already clear favourite for the Arkle Trophy next March after completing a pleasing debut over fences in the Coral.ie Bet & Watch Irish And UK Racing Live Beginners Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

Henry de Bromhead’s front-running grey, who finished third to Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, saw off Brelade between the final two obstacles.

While getting close to the final fence, the six-year-old cruised to victory under Davy Russell to justify 8-13 favouritism by seven lengths.

Russell said: “You’d be nervous heading out on him as today was very important he did things right with the future in mind. Henry is a master at improving hurdlers to chasers and he looks to have done it again.

De Bromhead, below, is likely to bring the gelding back to Punchestown for the Grade Two Craddockstown Novice Chase on November 19.

“Davy gave him a super ride and we can breathe a sigh of relief,” said de Bromhead. “It’s what you hope he would go out and do and he’s done that. I’m delighted.

“He’d been schooling really well, until you see it on the track you are always a bit anxious, but he looked great there.

“He’s always worked really well, but physically he’s probably filled out more, and he ran a bit heavier here today.”