Vesper Bell scoots clear at Punchestown

Vesper Bell put in a good staying performance to comprehensively win the three mile beginners chase at Punchestown for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

Walsh sat the six-year-old son of Beneficial in second behind 9/10 favourite throughout, but swept into the lead round the bend coming to two out. From there the spoils were never in doubt for the 5/4 shot who won by 15 lengths in the five-runner contest. He was backed in from 5/2 this morning. You Must Know Me made a bad mistake two out and lost second to 25/1 outsider Carry Each Other

Willie Mullins, trainer of Vesper Bell, is looking at a step up in trip as he said: “He looks made for the four miler [at Cheltenham] and that will be his aim.

“He loves those conditions and a test of stamina and we were pleased with him.”

He was stepping up on a second-place finish on his chasing debut at Thurles.

Vesper Bell received an introductory quote of 25/1 for the RSA Chase with bookmaker Stan James. The same firm have him at 14/1 for the four mile NH Chase.

You Must Know Me was found to be lame post-race.

(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)