Diamond Cauchois quickened up smartly to run out an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan.

The market spoke in favour of Gordon Elliott's charge and the 4/6 favourite (evens in morning) duly did the business under Davy Russell.

Market rival Bapaume attempted to inject some pace into the race when hitting the front going to the third last in the two-mile five contest.

Diamond Cauchois followed him through, however, and the pair were upsides jumping the second last.

The hotpot kicked clear before the final flight, as Bapaume weakened, and went on for a comprehensive nine-length victory.

The winner's stable-mate Lieutenant Colonel plugged on in the closing stages to grab the runner-up spot.

“He’s a grand horse and loves that soft ground. The ground will probably decide where we go with him but he’s won two good pots for us this year so we are very happy,” said Elliott.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)