Ballyburn cruises to first victory over fences

strolled to any easy victory on his chasing debut when making light work of the Conway Piling Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

Willie Mullins’ six-year-old has a near-flawless record in bumpers and over hurdles and last season was the winner of three successive Grade One contests.

The Champion Hurdle route had looked to beckon but connections opted to send him over fences instead, a choice that looked to be immediately rewarded when he took up the running under Paul Townend at Punchestown.

Jumping fluently and barely seeing a rival, the gelding was completely unchallenged when securing a 13-length victory and is the 2-1 favourite from 5-2 for the Arkle with Betfair.

“He did things very well and took a good blow during the race which means there is a lot of improvement to come,” said Mullins.

“A lot of ours are running that way and it was a worry going out. He jumped from fence to fence and I was very pleased. I think Paul was very pleased as well.

“He has a lovely low head carriage and usually horses with a head carriage like that are very good jumpers.

“I haven’t been looking past today but we’ll have a look at what’s available and there is a chance he could go to England.”

Butch Cassidy showed plenty of promise to take the Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle for Henry de Bromhead and owner Mrs John Magnier.

The four-year-old is a half brother to Champion Bumper winner Fayonagh and had a bumper win of his own to his name for Philip Fenton ahead of this contest.

Under Darragh O’Keeffe he was a 3-1 chance for the race when taking to hurdles for the first time and prevailed by half a length from 2-1 favourite Sermandzarak.

“He’s a lovely big horse and a real chaser in the making. He has loads of size and scope and he gallops,” said De Bromhead.

“He’s big and raw and we felt whatever he did today that he’d improve. He has a good attitude.

“I didn’t get a schooling hurdle into him which I would have liked but his jumping improved as the race went on.

“Darragh was brilliant on him and I’m delighted to get a winner for the Magniers who are fantastic supporters.”

Its Bilbo (7-4  favourite) made a winning stable debut for the same trainer and jockey in the Total Event Rental 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.

“Danny Cooper recommended him from France and liked his run back in the spring,” De Bromhead said.

“He’s a fine big horse and hopefully will continue to improve. We won’t be in any mad panic this year and it’s lovely to have Matt (Fitzgerald, owner) here and winning.

“We might look at Leopardstown at Christmas and will give him a few runs to see where we are.”