Dunguib impresses again

From a long way out Dunguib was looking likely to justify his odds of 30/100 for the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle and after taking over entering the straight it was plain sailing afterwards for Brian O'Connell's mount.

Parterning his first winner as a professional, O'Connell let his mount stride clear from between the last two and he shook him up on the run-in to see off Some Present by seven lengths. Second favourite Sweeps Hill was in trouble from a fair way out and he could only manage fourth place.

Winning trainer, Philip Fenton said: "He was a little bit free but he jumped well apart from one mistake. Brian went for him over the last two and he answered him well. We'll have to have a chat about whether we run him at Leopardstown over Christmas. We might side step it. We'll have a chat with Lily (owner Elizabeth Lawlor).

"Leopardstown at February would be the plan if we miss Christmas. He is not a robust horse and he wouldn't take an awful amount of racing or training.

"Cheltenham is obviously the main aim and Punchestown of course. At this point in time I'd say not as regards the Champion Hurdle. Like the old saying, novices should stick with novices.

"There is no need to pitch him in against the big boys. There is always next year."

Bookmaker reaction was Ladbrokes 6/4 from 5/2 for the Supreme Novice.

William Hill go 2/1 from 9/4 for the same race. They are 16/1 from 25s for the Champion Hurdle.

Boylesports are 7/4 from 5/2 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle. They go 14/1 from 20s for the Champion Hurdle.