Jockey Ruby Walsh with Nickname after their win.

nickname lands cottage chase

Nickname produced another stylish display in the Byrne Group plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown to put the bookmakers on the run ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

Martin Brassil's eight-year-old won his fourth race of the season under Ruby Walsh as his reputation as one of the leading two-mile chasers continued to grow.

However, whether or not he will turn up to contest the Seasons Holidays-sponsored Queen Mother Champion Chase next month remains dependent on the ground.

The race was billed as a virtual match between Nickname and the reigning champion chaser Newmill, having his first start over fences since last April.

But John Murphy's charge tipped up four fences from home, leaving punters none the wiser as to Nickname's merits against a true Grade One performer at the trip.

As a result, Nickname, the 9-10 favourite, sauntered to a seven-length success from long-time leader Central House.

Despite the ease of his win, which came on slightly quicker ground than that on which he has done most of his winning, connections would still not confirm his participation in the two-mile championship.

Brassil said: "Ruby said he settled lovely. They went a good gallop - he got checked on the final turn, but then he got a grand run up the inner.

"I was very happy with that and he will go for the Newlands Chase at Naas in three weeks (February 25).

"He is having it so easy the races are not taking that much out of him, that is why he is able to run so often."

John Murphy said of Newmill: "He has a cut over his eye that will need stitches, but other than that he is fine."

Walsh admitted he would hold leading claims if he was to turn up at Cheltenham on March 14.

"The two in front got a bit tight in front of me, but I got a nice run into the straight but he quickened up well. It was a good performance," he told At The Races.

"He is going to Naas in a couple of weeks according to Martin and there is a good prize to be won, so I don't see why he shouldn't.

"If he does run at Cheltenham he has to be a huge player, depending on the ground."