Diverge a straightforward winner for Townend

Sixth to High Definition at Leopardstown over Christmas, Diverge was a facile winner on his second hurdles start in the opening two-mile maiden at Punchestown.

Relatively easy-to-back at 10/11 having been a fair bit shorter this morning, the Frankel gelding sat second before Paul Townend let him stride on in front before halfway. He readily went clear after the second-last to beat hurdling debutant Mon Coeur by twenty-three lengths with market rival Slanagaibhgoleir not far off the winner at Leopardstown, a well-beaten third having blundered two out.

Formerly trained by Freddie Head for his breeder George Strawbridge, Diverge won once from seven starts on the Flat in France.

"He did it well and improved a lot from the last day,” said winning trainer Willie Mullins.

“We changed the tactics as he was very free in Leopardstown. I said to Paul don't be fighting him too much.

“We thought there might be enough pace in the race with Danny (Mullins) going on but our fella just seemed to want to jump past him so Paul let him on and let him enjoy himself. He loves jumping.

“He has entries at Cheltenham and we'd probably be looking more to the Supreme. Any horse that wins his maiden by 23 lengths on his second run has to. He looks like he's booked a place on the team anyway.”

Quotes from Gary Carson