Anotherway gets the last wrong, but wins decisively© Photo Healy Racing
Anotherway showed off the engine under his bonnet as he drew right away from the opposition in the maiden hurdle that got Punchestown under way.
There is certainly room for improvement in his jumping, but he tanked along just behind Touch Me Not and readily claimed that opponent racing to the final quarter of a mile. He then cruised clear before the last from Catena Zapata as Touch Me Not faded in third.
Those who backed him at 8/15 had a brief worry as he got the final flight wrong, however, he soon rolled home in glorious isolation by 12 lengths under Paul Townend. Catena Zapata (11/2) was a remote second and was eight lengths clear of Touch Me Not (11/4).
Willie Mullins said: “He stayed well and galloped well the whole way to the line, but his jumping left a lot to be desired and he has to improve on that.
“Maybe it was the heavy ground today because he jumped much better in Leopardstown the last day. I'm disappointed with his jumping, but at least he did what he was showing us at home today.
“Looking at that performance, he might be more of a Ballymore horse.”
This was the deepest ground Anotherway encountered in France or Ireland. He won a race on the level in his native France.
Paddy Power cut him from 33/1 to 16/1 (non runner money back) for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
