Kauto Stone made a successful seasonal bow as he landed the Grade One JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

WILLIE MULLINS’ Quel Esprit is the 5-2 favourite with Boylesports and Paddy Power for Sunday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown

PAUL Nicholls has given Tataniano and Kauto Stone entries in the Sportingbet Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday as he seeks to continue his domination of the two-mile feature.

THE leading contenders have stood their ground for the sportinbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next Wednesday.