Sir Des Champs cemented his position among the most exciting young chasers around when surviving a last fence scare in the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

The 2/7 shot had his race won after making all (jumped a bit left) when getting in too close to the last and almost unshipping Davy Russell. Mossey Joe coming off a break, ran a good race on his return. He took more than one chance with his jumping though and ultimately paid the penalty at the final fence when held (horse got up bloodied and Barry Geraghty sore). Frisco Depot was hampered and unseated Bryan Cooper at this point.

Of course Willie Mullins trains Sir Des Champs for Gigginstown House Stud and he said: "He was fortunate (at the last) just watching it again there and Davy did well to stay on.

"That's his first Grade 1 and I didn't mind the fact that he jumped left – that was just from being in front on his own.

"He'd schooled well out in front before and as we knew there'd be no pace we knew we'd have to go on.

"We didn't learn anything new today other than that he gets three miles.

"Davy said he was always cantering. He's a very relaxed horse and I think that'll be a big help to him later in his career.

"Next season we could start him off in something like the John Durkan." (GC & EM)