Sir Des Champs winning streak continues

Sir Des Champs maintained his unbeaten record since joining Willie Mullins in the Boylesports.com - Bet On Your Mobile Novice Chase this afternoon.

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival in March, the French import had won his first two starts over fences without much alarm but faced a tough task here against the highly-regarded Hidden Cyclone.

There were three in line over the last as Fists Of Fury, Hidden Cyclone and the even-money favourite Sir Des Champs were locked together.

A mistake from the favourite seemed to cost him all chance but Davy Russell did not panic and the six-year-old quickened up very smartly to beat Fists Of Fury by half a length with Hidden Cyclone just behind.

The winner was cut to 8-1 from 12s by William Hill for the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival.

Mullins said: "He made a few errors there but he galloped on nicely from the last.

"He is improving slowly and he'll go for one of the staying novice chases at Cheltenham - either the Jewson or the RSA."

Russell added: "He was bit lazy throughout but he jumped great.

"He got in a little bit tight to the last but he is a clever horse and he fiddled it. I only had to give him one slap and we were always going to get there.

"I like him, I like him plenty and anything from two and a half miles up will be fine for him."

Robbie Power delivered Citizenship (10-1) with a perfectly-timed challenge to land the valuable Boylesports.com Hurdle.

Top weight Staying Article looked to be in control of the ultra-competitive two-mile heat approaching the penultimate flight, but Citizenship was flying on the outside.

Power brought the Jessica Harrington-trained runner to the front at the last and after clearing the obstacle in style, he powered away to win by a length and a quarter.

Leah Claire just shaded the game Staying Article for second while Sweet My Lord was fourth.

Scottish Boogie was sent off the 7-1 favourite but he failed to feature in the finish.