Trainer Denis Cullen and rider John Barry can take a bow after well-backed favourite Shin A Vee (2/1), on his first outing since last year's win in the KFM Hunters Chase for the Bishopscourt Cup, repeated the dose in the Punchestown opener. Enniskillen was consigned to the runner-up spot for the second time at the 2016 Festival when failing by five and a half lengths to Shin A Vee.

Shin A Vee made a pretty serious mistake four out but he was soon back on an even keel. The chestnut travelled strongly and jumped well in the main through the two and a half miler, and asserted from before the last.

"All credit goes to Denis Cullen - he had he had him spot on again for today. He's a right little horse. He was a bit keen - I'd have preferred if he'd spat it out a bit better. He jumped and travelled great and he had loads left in the tank," reported Barry.

"That's great. I train just five minutes away from the track and Martin (Kennelly, owner) is just two minutes further away, so it's a local trainer and owner," said Cullen.

"They do a fantastic job here. I walked the track an hour before racing and it was in phenomenal condition.

"He won well last year but I thought he was better this year and really up for it. We knew he was in good form and pretty fit.

"He's 13 now and obviously it's a concern coming here as he's a year older and with a 5lb penalty but in fairness to him he came back in better nick.

"It was the same as last year. We had one day in mind and it worked last year. He's a horse that works well at home and you can get enough into him."

Shin A Vee's Bishopscourt record now reads as follows - 1st 2009, 2nd 2010, 5th 2013, 2nd 2014 and 1st 2015 and 1st 2016.

(GC & EM)