Petit Mouchoir 10/1 for Arkle after fencing debut win at Punchestown


Irish Champion Hurdle winner Petit Mouchoir made a pleasing debut over fences in the Coral.ie Bet & Watch Irish And UK Racing Live Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

Henry de Bromhead's front-running grey, who went on to finish third to Buveur D'Air in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, burnt off Brelade between the final two obstacles.

While he got in a little tight to the final fence, he never looked in danger of falling and coasted over the line in the hands of Davy Russell to justify 8-13 favouritism.

Prior to the last he had barely put a foot wrong and looks a smart recruit to the chasing game.

Sky Bet trimmed him to 10/1 from 12s for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

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.

"Having run in a point that's a huge bonus, it gives them such a good grounding. We hadn't done that much schooling, two bits outside, though Henry does plenty himself. He gave him a pop yesterday and he was very good.

"The country is full of high-quality horses and he's one, it's a highly competitive sphere but I'm sure he'll hold his own."

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