Treble for Mullins as Aupcharlie obliges

The 6/4 favourite Aupcharlie (sixth winning favourite of the day) made a successful debut over fences as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase in convincing fashion to provide his trainer Willie Mullins with a treble on the card.

Ridden by Andrew Lynch, the 6yo son of Daliapour raced in second behind Toon River for much of the contest before he made headway to dispute the lead approaching three out.

He hit the front before the second last and kept on well from there to record an easy eleven length success from the Mary Louise Hallahan trained Toon River who ran a cracker to finish second at 20/1 under Robert Jones.

The Noel Meade trained Prima Vista completed the placings a further six and a half lengths back in third under Paul Carberry for Noel Meade at 8/1.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "He seems to be the horse he was when we got him. He is stronger this year."

The Ann & Alan Potts owned gelding was of course disappointing over hurdles last season only shedding his maiden tag on his third attempt.

Stan James have introduced the winner at 25/1 in the betting for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)