Ligeonniere back with ‘electric’ performance

Absent for two years since winning a novice hurdle at the 2012 Punchestown Festival, Arvika Ligeonniere made a hugely impressive return to action and chasing debut in the Punchestown For Events Beginners Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

The classy seven-year-old, in the Ricci colours, produced an impeccable display of jumping (with the exception of a minor mistake at the third last) and romped home, hard held by Ruby Walsh, 13 lengths clear of nearest rival Tom Horn.

It was the performance of an exciting novice in a race won back in 2009 by Sizing Europe.