Darver Star cuts a dash on chasing debut

Champion Hurdle third Darver Star made a more than pleasing transition to fences in the opening beginners' chase at Punchestown.

The 8/13 favourite jumped well after settling into his task on chasing debut and readily closed on a hard at work Star Max after the third last.

The leader made a mistake two out when challenged by Darver Star who breezed by and soon drew clear.

He popped the last under Keith Donoghue and wasn't extended in coming home 12 lengths clear of Le Musigny (11/1). Third-placed Conflated was another five and a half lengths away at 6/1.

Assistant trainer Feidhlim Cunningham said: “That was a great intro. Gavin (Cromwell) can’t be here as he was in Newmarket for the Cesarewitch but he rang me and is delighted with that.

“He’ll probably come back here in a month’s time for the Grade 2 (Craddockstown) novice.”

Keith Donoghue added: “He jumped well on the whole. Early on we were going a bit steady and he was a bit asleep and reached at a few.

“Down the back when I was trying to make up ground he jumped dead straight and very quick.

“I hadn’t schooled him and it was my first time to jump with him. I think in a good race he’d have no bother. He has loads of scope and is well able to use himself. He’s an exciting horse.”

Paddy Power cut Darver Star from 20/1 to 14/1 for the Arkle. Betfair halved Darver Star in price for the Arkle (20/1 - 10/1) and made him 14/1 from 20/1 for the Marsh.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee