Listener throws down Lexus gauntlet

The mighty Denman might not have everything his own way in the Lexus Chase later in the month as 2006 winner The Listener showed his well-being ahead of a repeat bid with an emphatic success at Punchestown.

Robert Alner’s grey has been trimmed to 9-2 from 15-2 by William Hill for the December 28 contest after easing to a 19-length triumph in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.