Masque too strong for rivals It proved straightforward for Joueur Masque in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown as he got off the mark on his third outing for Willie Mullins. The French-import went to post an 8/11 shot and bounced out to make all under Gavin Brouder. He never looked in danger and just had to be kept going in the straight to record a six-and-a-half length win over Harry’s Legacy. Owner JP McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry said afterwards:- “He had a bit of experience, jumped away well, and settled in front. “I don’t know how good the race was but he had a good run at Leopardstown at Christmas (fourth to Jasmin De Vaux). “He’s had a few issues along the way and it’s nice to see him back doing that. “He’ll probably tip away during the summer and could maybe jump a fence sooner rather than later.”
