Nil Desperandum ran out a narrow winner of the www.punchestown.com beginners' chase at Punchestown today, where the Frances Crowley trained gelding provided jockey Shay Barry with the opening leg of a double.

Nil Desperandum, a decent novice hurdler last season, defeated Barry Geraghty on Central House in a thrilling finish. According to the winning trainer, the son of Un Desperado, was 'a little ring rusty but his jumping has always been his strongest point. He will now go for the Drinmore Chase next month.' She also added 'he appears to be much better over three miles..'

Barry won the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle with Clounties Hill for trainer Willie Mullins. Clounties Hill, a gelded son of Simply Great, was held up for most of the race before making steady progress to lead well inside the final 100 yards for a two and a half length success. Mullins later stated 'after that success, he'll stay novice hurdling for this season.'

Barry was unlucky not to complete a treble, when Doora Volunteer when headed by Lisaan and Barry Cash in the closing stages of the 2m2f handicap chase. Gerry Kilfeather, assistant to winning trainer Bill Durkan, reported 'that's his first handicap run although he would prefer softer ground.'

Jockey David Casey was another to record a double. Casey combined with combined with owner JP McManus to record wins on Jirlan and Ground Ball.

Arthur Moore's Jirlan defied a mandatory 6lb penalty when adding the two mile handicap hurdle to his Fairyhouse win four days previously. Moore will attempt to gain another win with Jirlan before the ground turns too soft for the gelding.

Casey completed his double in the next on board Charlie Swan's Ground Ball. The six year old was made to work hard for a neck victory in the Thornberry Hurdle. According to Swan, the gelding 'always showed a lot at home but hasn't quite developed into the horse we thought he might. We'll try to find a winners' of one chase with him now.'

Adarma put in a fine round of jumping when justifying 5/2 favouritism in the two mile maiden hurdle. Trainer Christy Roche praised the performance of winning rider and stable amateur Alan Crowe, saying 'she ran a bit free and Alan did the right thing by letting her go to the front. The trip may have been a little short for her and I thought she might have needed the run.'

JP McManus later completed a highly successful afternoon when his Field Marshall benefited from a strong drive from Kevin Power to win the bumper.

Thomas Weekes.