Former Galway Hurdle winner Cuan Na Grai returned to winning ways on his favoured good ground when taking the Eventus Marquees Novice Chase at Punchestown today.

Ridden by Alain Cawley, the 9yo son of Erins Isle moved through to lead three out, eventually staying on for an easy eight lengths win over Themoonandsixpence

Afterwards winning trainer Paul Nolan reported “I'm delighted to get him back to winning ways as he has had to come back from a few injuries over the years and we take what we can get with him nowadays.”

He added “the ground was too heavy for him at Fairyhouse the last day and Alain (Cawley) sensibly pulled him up – he is a right good horse on that good ground and the Galway Plate and Hurdle are both options for him during the summer.”