Present off the mark over timber

Cheltenham bumper runner-up Some Present had to work to make a winning debut over hurdles in the opener at Punchestown.

Not fluent early on the 13/8 favourite was ridden to take closer order two out by Davy Russell.

He stayed on for pressure to get to the front on the run-in and record a three length victory over Tango Foxtrot

"Only for the fact that it was Punchestown I wouldn't have run him so soon," said trainer Tom Mullins.

"The ground was so nice here and it was round here he won his bumper so I thought it was the ideal opportunity to run him and get off the ground.

"He only had two runs last year and if he's going to compete it's a help to get hurdles experience.

"I'm very pleased with the performance but he'll have to improve. He's a very clever horse and adapted well as it went on. I'm very happy with him.

"We've got that over a done with and they'll be plenty of races for him. I imagine he'll bet better over longer and will want 2m4f.

"I imagine as he ran so well at Cheltenham last year we'll go back there all being well.

"We'll do as much we can up to Christmas, while we get nice ground, and then we'll be able to stop then."

Russell said: "I was happy with the way when he did make a mistake he went to the next hurdle and jumped it properly. He's going to learn a lot.

"He's got a lot to prove to be a very good horse but he's going the right way.

"He's definitely one I have been, and will be, very much looking forward to for the rest of the year."

There was a sad postscript to the race as Oscar Shine collapsed due to a fractured knee soon after passing the post and had to be put down.

Rider Don Atkinson was taken to Naas hospital with suspected neck injuries.

Dr Walter Halley said: "I've stood him down for 21 days. He was semi-conscious when I got to him but he came round. He has gone for x-rays."