Mikael banishes last fence demons

Mikael d’Haguenet (8/13f) won the two and a half mile beginners chase at Punchestown when jumping the last much better than on his last outing here.

Paul Townend made all on the talented eight-year-old gelding who is a multiple Grade 1 hurdle winner. A slow jump at the second last opened the door to his main market rival Lord Windermere (9/4), but a good leap at the last firmly closed the door.

“He did things nicely today and is getting his act together. He’ll probably go for a winners of one next as we are trying to build up his confidence and get him jumping well,” Willie Mullins said.

On his last appearance over course and distance he blundered badly at the last to lose all chance of winning so his supporters today had every right to be wary as he approached it clear again.

The odds were safely landed though by two and three parts of a length in the six-runner contest.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)