< Rubi Light is destined for a rise in grade after his bloodless triumph in the Active Retirement Days Handicap Chase at Punchestown.

The classy French import, trained by Robbie Hennessy, made short shrift of top weight in this two-mile encounter.

Davy Russell made every yard of the running, and had little trouble shrugging off Askthemaster by five lengths.

Rubi Light remains unbeaten over fences, having struck in similarly taking style at Sligo in September.

Hennessy reported: "He was only half-fit when winning at Sligo on his latest run and still wasn't fully wound-up.

"Davy said he was only getting going when he was pulling him up.

"He may be better over further but he can't go down the novice route as he won over fences in France before we bought him.

"He'll probably run next at Leopardstown over Christmas in either a handicap or Listed chance."

It was to emerge a deeply prosperous afternoon for Russell, who rattled off a near-68-1 three-timer with further victories on Magnanimity and Beautiful Sound

The former provided Russell with a second win on the card when showing plenty of grace under pressure to take the GAA Beginners Chase.

Trainer Dessie Hughes said of the 9-4 joint-favourite: "He'll go for a three-mile novice chase at Leopardstown over Christmas next."

Beautiful Sound, who had been off the track for 1313 days, then highlighted the excellence of Gordon Elliott with a convincing two-length call in the Thoroughbred Trails Handicap Chase.

Willie Mullins, meanwhile, unearthed another potential star when Zaidpour ran out an effortless winner of the Punchestown Annual Membership Maiden Hurdle.

Mullins said: "I would not be afraid to drop him back in trip as he has plenty of gears.

"We've plenty of time with him but he may run in the Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse on November 28 next."

Enda Bolger unsurprisingly led home a one-two in the New Banks Course Risk Of Thunder Chase when last year's winner L'Ami defeated King Johns Castle by a length and a half.

Bolger said: "L'Ami will now run in