French Dynamite a more than able deputy

Hot-favourite Bob Olinger was ruled out of the opening beginners' chase at Punchestown due to a stone bruise, however, his owners Robcour saw their colours carried to victory in good style by French Dynamite

The even-money favourite tracked Alko Rouge before easing past him at the sixth of the 15 fences. He increased his advantage at the halfway stage and strode clear on the bridle before four out. Dewcup attempted to make a race of it as he cut right into the deficit approaching two out, however, French Dynamite had him burned off by the last.

Darragh O'Keeffe guided him home by an easy six lengths from the runner-up who was supported from 8/1 to 11/2 on chasing debut. Torygraph was another four lengths back in third at 16/5.

Trainer Mouse Morris said: That was nice and he's progressing nicely. He has a bit to learn yet but he's going the right way.

“He's not in the Drinmore and won't run there. I wouldn't mind getting another run into him somewhere before Christmas.

“The programme is not very conducive to staying chasers. We'll have a look at maybe travelling.

“It's very hard to get a winners of one and I don't want to go for a graded race with him just yet as he's still backward.

“He loves that ground and Darragh said his jumping was awesome.”

French Dynamite reached a mark of 150 over hurdles and began his chasing career with a fifth place in a Grade 3 novice chase at Cork last month.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson