Enda Bolger and owner JP McManus must never have thought they would find a horse to replace Spot Thedifference but Garde Champetre edged closer to surpassing his achievements at Cheltenham today.

Santa’s Son ran out a bloodless victor of the feature Profile Systems Novice Chase at Punchestown to leave his connections debating a step up in class.

Spot Thedifference returned to a Dawn Run-type reception after doing what he does best - winning around the unique cross-country course at Cheltenham.

NICKY HENDERSON’S Punjabi, who had a rear view of the ultra-smart Katchit at Cheltenham and Aintree, enjoyed his own day in the sun when taking the Grade 1 Ballymore Properties Champion four-year-old Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday, writes Pat Keane.

2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2 miles ½f: A STRONG Irish challenge headed by De Valira, who reportedly sparkled in his latest piece of work, Hide The Evidence and Wins Now.

CROSS-COUNTRY specialist Spot Thedifference once again proved age is no barrier as the 13-year-old landed the Sporting Index Handicap Chase for the second time in three years at Cheltenham yesterday.

HE may be rising 14 years old, but Spot Thedifference shows no signs of slowing and landed his fifth success over the cross-country course in the Sporting Index Chase on the first day of Cheltenham’s Open meeting.

ENDA BOLGER believes class act Royal Auclair could be the one to foil Spot Thedifference's attempt to win the Sporting Index Chase for the third year running at Cheltenham today.

WILLIE MULLINS is hoping the rain stays away to give Hedgehunter every chance of completing back-to-back victories in the John Smith’s Grand National.

IVOIRE DE BEAULIEU made a surprise winning British debut in the Sporting Index Handicap Chase as the unbeaten run of Spot Thedifference over Cheltenham’s cross-country course came to an end.

Connections of the luckless Clan Royal will give the gelding a week to get over his exertions in the John Smith’s Grand National before deciding on his next target.

WAR OF ATTRITION, for many the banker of the meeting for the visitors, was sunk without trace in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham yesterday.

WILLIE MULLINS has confirmed that Hedgehunter will head for the John Smith’s Grand National without another run.

ON a day when the news broke that Tony McCoy is to take over as first jockey to Jonjo O’Neill, the Castletownroche-born trainer celebrated by saddling two Grade One winners at Punchestown with Rhinestone Cowboy and Cherub.

Spot Thedifference won for the first time in almost three years when taking the Quins Of Baltinglasss Chase (for the La Touche Cup) over four and a quarter miles at Punchestown.

A record number of entries have been made for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

With a record 67 horses in the handicap proper this year, the Martell Cognac Grand National looks set to be an even more competitive event than usual.