Riviere D'etel under Denis O'Regan© Photo Healy Racing
Riviere D'etel may have been in receipt of all the allowances in the Grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown but nonetheless she was mightily impressive in putting her rivals to the sword.
She soon led at a good clip and jumped with aplomb throughout. Cape Gentleman the 8/11 favourite on the back of a Grade 3 victory over fences at Cork, was never far away in a close second. Under the terms of this race, he had to give the filly 18lbs.
Denis O'Regan let out an inch of rein racing to the penultimate fence and the response was immediate as Riviere D'etel eased four lengths away from an off the bridle Cape Gentleman.
The four-year-old filly drew well clear by the last and sailed in by an emphatic 21 lengths at 9/4. Cape Gentleman could make no impression in second.
“I thought she was very good. She jumped well and Denis gave her a good ride, she's a nice mare,” said Gordon Elliott.
“We said we'd let her stride along and use all the allowances. She might have won with 10lb more, whether she would have won with 18lb more I don't know but she won very well.
“There is a mares' race in Cork in a few weeks time (Grade 2 Lombardstown Chase December 5th) and there is also a novice chase in Navan (December 18th).
“I wouldn't rule anything out with her and we'll keep all our options open.”
Riviere D'etel built upon an 11-length success in a mares' beginners' chase at Fairyhouse in October.
She holds an entry in the Grade One Drinmore in Fairyhouse at the end of the month.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
