< Sizing Europe took the first step on what could be a long road to next year's major Festivals with a bloodless victory in the Evening Meetings At Punchestown Beginners Chase.
Things hadn't gone right for Henry De Bromhead's charge since he landed the AIG Champion Hurdle in 2008, but he never looked in trouble on his debut over the larger obstacles, jumping fluently throughout.< Tinakellylad was driven to join the 4/5 favourite at the second last, but the effort to get on terms was too much, and Denis O'Regan never had to move a muscle on the winner before coming home easily to record a four and a half-length verdict.< Uimhiraceathair and Noble Prince produced a stirring battle at the end of the Punchestown For Exhibitions Hurdle, with the latter landing the spoils.
Paul Nolan's 9-4 chance travelled smoothly for Alain Cawley, but the jockey had to get to work after the last to repel Willie Mullins' charge, eventually prevailing by three lengths, with Zaarito third.< Deutschland gave favourite-backers very little to worry about with a routine victory in the Go Racing In Kildare Chase.
Mullins' 8-11 chance travelled well behind Holly Tree and though the pacesetter put up some resistance at the second last, Deutschland drew away close home to win by five lengths.< Katie's Jem atoned for a fall at Clonmel last time to cause a 50-1 shock in the Ireland For Horses Handicap Hurdle for Eddie Power.
Timothy Cleary's mare took up the running just after the last and quickly strode clear in the testing conditions, finishing one and a half lengths to the good over Flemensford with Lady Roberta back in third.
Last year's Craven Stakes fifth Alexander Castle was sent off the 7-4 favourite to strike on his debut over timber in the www.punchestown.com Maiden Hurdle, but found Black Coffee (13-2) too strong after the last, as he scored by three lengths under Robbie Power.
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