Embassy Gardens (8/11f) won well on chase debut at Punchestown today, landing the Irish Stallion Farm EBF Beginners Chase for trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Paul Townend and owner Sean Mulryan.

A keen-goer over hurdles, the son of Shantou was having his first run since April's course festival and having jumped and settled well, scored easily by 13 lengths from Lets Go Champ

Jockey Townend was impressed and reported “he's brilliant, when you're riding him you'd be encouraged to keep asking him everywhere but on that ground you can't.

“It was the perfect introduction, he relaxed and jumped well. I didn't have to be too hard on him but going around on that ground will take a bit out of them.

“He raced properly with me, he was too keen in Cheltenham but I lit him up early. Today was just about getting him to do things right and he did - he couldn't have done any more.

“He has loads of scope and he was a joy to ride. Hopefully this will be his year. He is a stayer and is racing like a stayer now, he's nearly behind the bridle.”

Quotes from Gary Carson