The 9/4 favourite Sa Fureur a maiden winner over two miles fifteen days previously, notched his second win of the month at Punchestown when seeing out the half-mile longer trip of the rated novice hurdle.

Running off an effective mark of 125, less Rob James' 7lb claim, the six-year-old was always close to the pace on the inner and moved to the front off the home turn. La Malmason covered the move on the outer and looked a big threat when joining issue at the last but Gordon Elliott's charge pulled out a bit more on the run-in. Despite edging left, he stayed on well to gain a a half-length verdict with the third home, Starzov a further seven lengths adrift. there was no change after a stewards' enquiry.

James said afterwards: “He was just a bit in my hands the whole way, they were going easy enough, but he picked up well and had loads left. He was just galloping out to the line and the other horse was never getting past.

“He's only a big baby and he'll probably be a better horse next year again. He's improving the whole time.”

Quotes from Gary Carson