Ile Atlantique looks the part on chasing debut

Ile Atlantique got his chasing career off to an impressive start when making most to land the QuinnBet Beginners Chase at Navan and complete a short-priced double on the day for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

The Coastal Path gelding, placed twice in Grade 1 company over hurdles last season including when third to stablemate Ballyburn at the Cheltenham Festival, took command approaching the final fence.

The 5/4 favourite galloped on strongly on the run-in to beat Waterford Whispers by nine lengths with Good Land making a pleasing reappearance after a lengthy absence a further length and a half back in third.

Townend said, “He does (have a cut at his fences) and I just let him learn today on it as well - he had to figure it out a bit himself.

"We could have gone out and winged everything, but he would learn more if he could do it himself.

"He rides a stronger horse this year. There were question marks of him seeing out his races before, but I think he has just needed all the time. A fence will help him with that as well and maturity.

"He's fast from one side to the other. Hopefully, he is going to have a good novice chase season.

"I like him a lot - I loved him last year and he didn't fulfil what I thought he was going to do. I just think sitting on him, he's so big this year, and he has taken this much time."

When asked about the returning Energumene in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork tomorrow, he added, “Brilliant (to see him back). He's been a very good horse to me and I'm looking forward to getting on him.”

Paddy Power and Betfair cut Ile Atlantique into 16/1 (from 33/1) for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival and also make him 5/2 (from 7/1) for the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at the Limerick Christmas Festival.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham