There was a hugely popular victor of the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown as well-backed 7/2 shot Zabana gained the day for Chris Jones, Andy Lynch and Davy Russell.

Connections and supporters of Zabana won't forget the fact that he didn't get the chance to strut his stuff at the Cheltenham Festival in a hurry. He of course unseated Russell at the start in the JLT when well-fancied.

Today was Zabana's day though, as he gave his followers a fright at a couple of fences, including at the first. The loose Ballychorus also threatened danger on a couple of occasions.

Zabana edged right from the last but with the rail to help he kept up the gallop to get the better of the favourite, Outlander by two lengths.

"He was nearly gone at the first but only missed one after that. After Cheltenham he seemed to sulk, and went off everything, but in the last three weeks he came right. He wants that ground, and is a real good horse," stated Lynch who has five in training.

"We'll let him off now and make a man of him for next year. He'll strengthen up again as he's only seven. He might start off here in the Durkan.

"In Cheltenham my heart sank. You would love to do it there but it's lovely to win here as well. When the loose horse came across I thought here comes our (bad) luck again."

Zabana was introduced at 33/1 for the 2017 Gold Cup with Paddy Power.

B.J. Geraghty, rider of Noble Endeavor trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't jump well and was pulled up.

(AM & EM)