Chancol continues his liking for Punchestown

Chancol maintained his unbeaten record over fences when getting up close home to land the Grade 2 Madigans Bars Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown.

The French-bred gelding continuously jumped left when successful on his chasing debut here last month but didn’t show the same tendency here over the same two-mile trip. Un Beau Roman set a tremendous pace out in front which really stretched the six-runner field, with 11/8 favourite Alelchi Inois losing any chance by blundering badly at the first fence down the back straight.

Ruby Walsh performed heroics to keep the partnership intact but his mount came to a standstill as a result of the error and was pulled up.

Chancol, who has now recorded three of his four career wins at this venue, started to reel in the front-runner at the third last where Sizing Granite made a mistake unseating Jonathan Burke.

Paul Carberry needed to get serious after two out but the 3/1 chance responded well, and finished the stronger to outpoint Un Beau Roman by three lengths. The pair stretched 21 lengths clear of the only other finisher Enjoy Responsibly

Winning trainer Noel Meade said, “I think he’ll improve because he’s so big. He’s still light and when he fills out he could be anything. Because of that I don’t want to run him too often. Fences are a big help to him as he jumps so well.

“Mags O’Toole spotted him at the sales and said I had to buy him. I’d never heard of his sire (Vangelis) but she said don’t mind that just look at the horse and she was right.

“He’s very clean winded and doesn’t take a lot (of getting ready).”