Quito completes big race double for Murphy

Quito De La Roque produced another stout staying performance in the Growise Champion Novice Chase to give trainer Colm Murphy a big-race double on the opening day of the Punchestown festival.

Davy Russell was left in front at the seventh last on the Gigginstown gelding, as well backed 7/4 favourite Quel Esprit crashed out, and made the best of his way home from there.

The French-bred kicked on three out and galloped on relentlessly down the straight to land the spoils by an impressive 14 lengths. Head Of The Posse looke a danger turning for home but couldn't keep up the effort. He eventually finished third with Western Charmer getting up for second.

The winner's only defeat over fences has come at the hands of RSA Chase winner Boston Angel and he was recording his fifth victory of the season.

He had shown his ability to handle better ground when a game winner at Aintree last time but proved an easy to back 7/2 shot on course.

It was the first time Murphy had tasted Grade One victory twice on one day and he was understandably delighted:-

"It's fantastic. Normally if you get two Grade Ones in a season you are delighted.

"He'll go out to grass now and we can dream away over the summer. Hopefully he'll improve with the summer break.

"He'll probably have to improve at least 20lb to be a Gold Cup horse but in fairness he has improved with each run.

"He travelled much better today than at Aintree. Things tend to happen that bit quicker around Aintree."