Noland Takes John Durkan

They headed the market at 9/4 and though Noland took the victory, War Of Attrition also emerged with plenty of credit when finishing third in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.

Noland, in the hands of Sam Thomas, took over after The Listener crashed through four out. That mistake was crucial as the grey rallied from the last and was catching Noland at the line, going down by half a length. War Of Attrition was a further seven lengths adrift.

Triumphant trainer, Paul Nicholls said: "It is really great for Sam, just what he needed, a Grade One winner to get his confidence back. It was the first time that he'd ridden Noland.

"His owner, John Hales was keen on the King George, but I thought we should stick to middle distances this season and then maybe step-up next year. The Ryanair will be his target with probably one race in between."

William Hill now have Noland as their 4/1 favourite (from 5s) for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The same firm meanwhile extended War Of Attrition's (Lexus Chase likely to be his next engagement) Gold Cup odds from 16/1 out to 25s whilst they made the exact same change in his price for the King George.

Cashmans are 5/1 from 6/1 Noland for the Ryanair whilst War Of Attrition is 25/1 (from 20s) for the Gold Cup with the Cork firm. (EM)