Beauchene class act in hunters

Prince De Beauchene proved a class act as he cruised to success in the concluding Arctic Tack Stud Hunters Chase at Thurles, giving Willie Mullins a treble on the card.

The French-bred was previously a Grade 2 winner over fences and one-time leading fancy for the Grand National.

He had made a winning start in point-to-points last month and posted another easy victory in his first hunters chase.

Patrick Mullins sent the 8/11 shot on going into the back straight in the three-mile contest. He had his rivals struggling turning for home and pulled clear with big leaps at the last two.

Mullins didn't have to move as he went on to record a six-and-a-half length victory over early leader Seventh Sign

"I'm delighted how he has adapted to hunter chasing and his next run will be in the hunters' chase at Leopardstown (Hennessy Gold Cup day)," said Mullins senior afterwards.

Patrick Mullins told Attheraces: "He's just rediscovering his enthusiasm

"He was having to run in a lot of very good races and he was just getting very sour. He hadn't run very well for over two years and hadn't won in over two years.

"Unfortunately he's not qualified for any of the hunter chases in England but that's probably no harm. Another year will do no harm and when he's 13 he'll go to Aintree."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)