Punchestowns survives blunder to win Grade 1

Punchestowns overcame an horrendous blunder at the seventh fence to take the Grade 1, totepool Challengers Novices' Chase at Sandown this afternoon.

Tony McCoy had already set up a handy lead on Tchico Polos when Punchestowns made what could have been a crucial error.

However, Barry Geraghty bided his time on the 4-11 favourite and soon had him jumping sweetly again.

Punchestowns went on to give Nicky Henderson a double (after earlier scoring with Binocular) as he swept past Tchico Polos at the last to win as he liked by eight lengths.

The winner hardened to 5-2 from 7-2 for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Sky Bet are 3-1 from the same price.

Henderson said: "There was one scary moment and Barry said it was the sort of thing they do once in their lives and learn from it."

"Barry let him think and work it out and he got back into a rhythm again. I wanted to give him one more run before Cheltenham and I probably still do, but I don't know where that will be."

"Barry said he had a good blow and they are still needing it a bit."

Geraghty added: "It's been 71 days since he ran. AP (McCoy) just quickened up and my horse just got in tight. It was good that he found another leg."