Blazer grinds out opening race win

The Willie Mullins-trained Blazer got off the mark over fences but needed a touch of fortune to claim the spoils in the opening beginners chase at Punchestown. Our Dougal took them along in the two-miler and looked to have his rivals on the stretch turning for home. He took a crashing fall two from home, however, leaving Bilko in front.

4/6 shot Blazer had come under pressure in third after jumping the third last but stuck on well for Mark Walsh and was upsides Bilko at the last.

Despite a slight mistake there the JP McManus-owned gelding stayed on best to grab the lead on the run-in and record a length success.

The winner was making his first start since being turned over at a short price in a similar contest on testing conditions at Cork in January.

 "On the conditions of the race he was entitled to win but he made hard work of it and he'll have to improve. We'll keep him to novice events for the time being,” said Mullins.

David Mullins walked away from his fall but was stood down for the evening.

(Quotes by by Alan Magee)