Eklat De Rire returned to action with a fine winning chase debut at Punchestown today as he provided trainer Henry De Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore with the second leg of doubles, in the Gift Punchestown Vouchers Beginners Chase.

A point-to-point winner for trainer Liz Doyle, the strapping French bred son of Saddex was last seen winning a Thurles maiden hurdle for his new connections in March and today made most, jumped well and beat School Boy Hours by three and a half lengths.

Jockeys' Championship-leader Blackmore has stemmed the Townend-tide in recent weeks and today's double moves her three winners clear (57-54) of the three-times Champion.

Following the race winning trainer De Bromhead stated “I'm delighted with that. He seemed to really enjoy himself and jumped really well.

“Rachael said he was brave at the first couple, a bit fresh, but once he settled down into it he seemed to be loving it. His two jumps up the side, four out and three out, were really good.

“He seems really nice and a real three miler. Hopefully he'll come on a bit from that as well.

“He's in the race at Leopardstown over Christmas (Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase). His owner Peter Davies is based in England so the race at Kempton (Grade 1 Kauto Star Novice Chase) is another option although both races might come a bit soon.

“There is a Grade 3 in Naas in the New Year over that trip and that might be the more sensible one. We'll weigh it up and see.”

De Bromhead and Blackmore had earlier won with Gabbys Cross

Quotes from Gary Carson