Grade 1 winning hurdler made a winning chase debut in the opening Buy Punchestown Tickets On Facebook Beginners Chase at Punchestown today, routing his six rivals for an effortless 34 lengths win over Happy New Year

Ridden by Davy Russell, the son of Bob Back tracked leader Beeverstown before taking up the lead at the third last. The winner was quickly clear of Beeverstown when that rival fell at the next, bringing down Knockgraffon Lad in the process. A sound jump at he final fence helped Dedigout coast home a most impressive winner.

Afterwards winning trainer Tony Martin stated “hopefully Dedigout goes the right way now and we'll see how he comes out of this.

“He had experience from point to pointing and we had schooling around the track. It went well and I was happy with his jumping.

“The first lad (Beaverstown, early leader) took him along but he fell throught tiredness – they went plenty fast enough on that ground.

“We'll take it one step at a time with him but hopefully he'll be a good horse – we'll look for something in three or four weeks time and the Drinmore Chase looks the obvious one for him or else we could go for a winners' of one. He bends his knee well and goes well on that winter ground."

Stan James bookmakers have cut Dedigout to 16/1 (from 20s) for the RSA Chase next March.

Further reporting by Gary Carson