Cappucino and Sean Flanagan pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Cappucino made all and jumped well throughout, as he justified 10/11 favouritism (touched 8/11 early) in the opener at Punchestown this afternoon, the BetVictor Maiden Hurdle.
Making the breakthrough on his return to action in a bumper at Listowel last month, the Liz Doyle-trained five-year-old was well-fancied to follow up today.
Sent straight to the front by Sean Flanagan, the Westerner bay was pushed along away from the last and comfortably saw off the effort of The Mediator (11/8) by four and a quarter lengths.
There was a further four and a half lengths back to Nelson Muntz (10/1) in third.
"He's progressing and settling but whether we'll get to continue to make the running with him, I don't know," Doyle reflected.
"As he goes up in quality it will be harder but at least he's more professional.
"It was a nice opportunity for him at the level he's at now and we'll probably go handicapping with him now. He jumps very well."
STEWARDS REPORT
G. Brouder, rider of Silas Marner trained by Charles O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very babyish and jumped left at most of the hurdles.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
