Jumping is the name of the game and Ben Dundee (13/2 into 9/2) did that best when impressing in the Ecocup Ireland, Event Reuseable Drinking Cup Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

The Chris Jones-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained Ben Dundee put his stamp on this two and a half miler from before the second last. Whisperinthebreeze (10s into 7s) and Mall Dini (5/2 into 7/4 favourite) were soon chasing shadows, and the Keith Donoghue-ridden victory ultimately had six lengths and a length and three quarters up his sleeve.

“He had a great run at Down Royal behind Delta Work and he got a bit tired that day just going to the line,” said Donoghue.

“We thought he would take a bit of beating today and he did it very well.

“We've always thought that he would be a better chaser and whatever he was going to do over hurdles would be a bonus.

“Hopefully now when he gets a bit more experience over fences there could be a good handicap in him.

“It's good ground but it's safe.”

(GC & EM)