Crash improves from his debut performance

Michael Hourigan’s Crash put a poor debut over fences behind him when taking the beginners chase over two-and-a-half-miles at Punchestown by a length-and-a-half at odds of 7/2.

The six-year-old gelding could only manage fifth of nine at this track on October 26 but today was a different story. He raced third throughout under Adrian Heskin but then stayed on best after the last to deprive Quietly Fancied (12/1) by a length-and-a-half. Lios A Choill was sent off the well-backed 11/8 favourite (9/4 in the morning) for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. He appeared to be travelling sweetly but found nothing after the last as he came in third 12 lengths behind the runner-up.

Trainer Michael Hourigan said: “He’s not the easiest horse to train. He’s very big, he’s nearly 18 hands. He’s had little problems because he is so big.

“If we could get a good run with him he could be a nice horse. He’ll go to Limerick for a winners of one. He’s a big horse and can handle conditions.

“He was to run three or four weeks ago but we had to back off him. He could be nice if he keeps right. We won’t overface him this year.”

66/1 chance Milan Nua fell at the second last when running a promising race.

Michael Graham