Punchestowns sparkles

LADBROKES World Hurdle second Punchestowns made an inspired start to his career over fences in the Fuller’s London Pride Novices’ Chase at Newbury yesterday.

Nicky Henderson’s beautiful chestnut had only Big Buck’s as his superior in the staying division over timber, and could well dominate the equivalent novice division over fences judged by this spectacular start.

Barry Geraghty allowed the 2-9 favourite to put his impeccable jumping to use down the home straight, with the six-year-old barely coming out of third gear to take the Grade Two prize.