Bleu Et Rouge went off the very well backed 6/4 favourite and he provided Willie Mullins with a third win on the day (following on from Montalbano and Coquin Mans when taking the Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase at Leopardstown.

A first-timer over fences, after winning a Grade 1 as a novice hurdler, it looked like it would be another beginners chase next time for the favourite here, as sticky jumping threatened to put him out of contention.

However Gwencily Berbas and Acapella Bourgeois put a good pace to the race up front, and when the going got tough the tough got going as Bleu Et Rouge mowed down Gangster late for a three parts of a length win.

"He jumps well at home but he didn't bring that to the track. I think he got a fright at the first and lost his confidence. He needs a bit more schooling," said Mullins.

"He must have a huge engine to win and I thought he had no chance after the second last. I think two miles is fine for him but he'll get more time to jump over a longer trip."

Paddy Power go 14/1 first show about Bleu Et Rouge for the JLT Novice Chase. Boylesports are the same price.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Bosman Rule trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped big.

Definitely a strong beginners chase! The heavily backed Bleu Et Rouge gets up close home to mug Gangster at @LeopardstownRC. pic.twitter.com/4z8A3y0J7e

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 28, 2016

(AM & EM)