Lieutenant Colonel the favourite for the Grade 3 Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown eventually pulled up as Three Stars grabbed the limelight under Ruby Walsh for the Henry de Bromhead yard.

Lieutenant Colonel didn't always convince with his fencing and David Mullins called it a day before the third last, whilst Ruby Walsh set sail for home from the next on 3/1 shot Three Stars.

The Listowel festival winner has left a Tramore June eclipse well behind him as he galloped on here for a two and a quarter length verdict over Ball D'Arc.

"I'm delighted with that. You forget how good that man is when you haven't used him for a while!" said de Bromhead.

"He's just brilliant and gave him a serious ride but still came in and was critical saying he had committed too early.

"We were delighted and I'm really happy for Robert and Julie (Finnegan, owners). He's a really exciting horse.

"He was a 140 hurdler and has got a gear. We'll stick to that kind of trip. I was delighted to see him get the two miles two as I wasn't convinced he would.

"He's got options now with either the Craddockstown back here or the race in Cheltenham the week before."

Lieutenant Colonel scoped abnormally and he also had a wound on his left hind.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Lieutenant Colonel (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have a wound on his near hind coronet post race.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Lieutenant Colonel (GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was found to have mucus on endoscopic examination post race.

(GC & EM)