Days stays on best to beat William

The first of three Graded races at Punchestown this afternoon, the Grade 2 Ladbrokes.com Bet In Running Craddockstown Novice Chase went to the Henry De Bromhead trained Days Hotel under Andrew Lynch.

Having just his second start over fences the son of Oscar maintained his 100% record over them having won his beginners chase over the course and distance late last month by an impressive ten lengths.

Sent to post the second choice of punters, the well-backed 5/2 shot and 2/1 favourite Lucky William had it between them as they entered the straight.

The favourite for Tom Cooper with Barry Geraghty aboard produced his challenge at the second last but the winner battled back and found more after the last to assert on the run-in winning by six and a half lengths. Foildubh at 8/1 took third a further eight lengths back under Robbie Colgan for his trainer John Ryan.

Winning trainer Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "They went a really good gallop he jumped well and stayed at it well.

"He is improving all the time and I'd say that ground is important to him. He was only getting going after the last so I'd say he could go further.

"He has every right to go for the 2m 1f Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown after Christmas now.

"His owner James Treacy also bred him and he owns Treacys Hotel in Waterford which was previously called Days Hotel."

Stan James introduced the winner at 33/1 for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.