Tough William claims opener

Lucky William ran out a game winner of the opening Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Barry Geraghty tracked the leader throughout on the well backed 4/1 shot (from 6/1 in morning) and he travelled well to lead turning for home. Blackstairmountain threw down a strong challenge at the final fence but Tom Cooper's charge pulled out all the stops in the closing stages.

The eight-year-old asserted nearing home to record a length-and-a-half verdict in the Grade One contest.

The runner-up received a smack across the head from Geraghty's whip on the run-in but after a stewards enquiry the result stood.

"Looking at the runners today, out of all of them I thought my horse would handle the ground the best and he proved it," said Cooper afterwards.

"He had a superb run when he won at Fairyhouse under top-weight the last day. He was giving two-and-a-half stone to horses that looked well handicapped.

"He has done little since, just ticking over and swimming.

"It's very tricky now lads! He's not a Sprinter Sacre and we'll try and avoid him. There should be plenty of other races for him." First Lieutenant was sent off 9/4 favourite but could only manage third after appearing to get outpaced. Menorah had hit the front three from home but had no extra when headed turning for home, crying enough before the last.

(GC & TW)