Ball D'Arc has progressed nicely since winning a three-runner four-year-old maiden point-to-point at Belharbour almost exactly a year ago and Gigdsginstown House Stud's charge reached a career high today when capturing the Listed I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Novice Hurdle.

Completing a double on the card here at Punchestown for Gigginstown and Bryan Cooper after their win with Balko Des Flos in the opener, this time it was Gordon Elliott in the training role. Willie Mullins handles Balko Des Flos.

Mullins himself launched a strong bid for this heat with three of the five runners including odds-on favourite Myska

Her jumping didn't really 'cut the mustard' but in any case the previously unbeaten Presenting mare wasn't herself as she weakened out of it in the straight to finish last.

Ball D'Arc quickly stamped his authority on the two miler approaching the last to gain the day by three lengths over Royal Caviar

"I thought he wanted a bit further but it looks like two miles is his trip and he settled a bit better. We won't get too excited, and will try to find something similar," stated Elliott.

For his part Cooper commented: "We always liked him at home and he settled a lot better today.

"The hood wasn't on him but he settled well and he quickened away off the bend and I got there too soon as I didn't realise that he had that turn of foot. I thought he was more of a galloper but you wouldn't be afraid to stay over two miles with him either.

"I thought we were going a nice gallop the whole way and I was always happy riding my own race. From the second last home I always thought I was going to have the better of them.

"He stuck it out well and the ground is after opening up a good bit more than in the first race. He's on the up."

Myska was found to be coughing on examination by the Turf Club veterinary officer post race.

(AM & EM)