The Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase proved a major anti-climax in Punchestown yesterday as the Willie Mullins-trained Arvika Ligeonniere coasted to an effortless nine lengths win over 2011 winner Rubi Light.

It’s a busy weekend for Willie Mullins’ stable, with runners at four meetings, including this afternoon at Aintree, but I’m staying at home to ride at Navan, where the exciting Faugheen and Felix Yonger hold very strong claims.

The progressive Willie Mullins-trained Arvika Ligeonniere was far too good for his five rivals in the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase at Clonmel yesterday.

It was very sad to lose Jenari after breaking his leg on Tuesday when doing a bit of a breeze ahead of an intended engagement in Leopardstown today.

Arvika Ligeonniere has secured his second consecutive Grade One prize with another fine front-running display in the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Arvika Ligeonniere aims to enhance his Arkle claims as he comes back in trip for the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Wednesday.

I expect to be fit to ride at Newbury today, despite being stood down after a fall there yesterday.

LOOKING at the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown today the first thing which strikes me is from where is the pace going to come.