Mala Beach jumps the last under Robbie Colgan© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott notched a quick double following Don Cossack s Grade 1 success when Mala Beach ran out a convincing winner of the beginners chase on the card at Punchestown.
Robbie Colgan was always to the fore on the Beneficial gelding and he kicked on turning for home to settle matters.
The 11/8 shot stayed on well in the closing stages to post a 16-length winning margin over 20/1 shot Sumos Novios Un Atout was sent off the 5/6 favourite on his return to action but made a bad blunder at the sixth fence. He faded tamely in the home straight to finish fifth.
“He's a fair horse this fella and I've always liked him. I think he'll be even better on soft ground,” said Elliott.
“He's in all the novices over Christmas but I'll have to chat with Chris as he's away for Christmas.
“He's a good big staying horse and the further he goes the better. Something like the four-miler at Cheltenham would do me nicely.
“I know Willie's horse made a bad mistake but I think our fella is a nice horse.”
