Arvika Ligeonniere takes off at the first under Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Arvika Ligeonniere got back to winning ways as he ran out an easy victor of the feature race at Punchestown this afternoon, the Grade Two 'Boylesports Free Wifi Coming To Our Shops' Tied Cottage Chase.
The classy nine-year-old son of Arvico was beaten on his last start at Leopardstown over Christmas, finishing third to Benefficient and Hidden Cyclone in the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase.
Having opened at 2/9 on-course this afternoon, the Ruby Walsh ridden gelding then went to 1/5, before drifting out to 2/7 at the off.
Settled in second behind Special Tiara the victorious 'jolly' was sent to the front at the third last, and he went clear entering the straight, coming home an easy fourteen lengths to the good. Toner D'Oudairies ran his usual consistent race, finishing in second under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott, while Rathlin was a further fourteen lengths back in third, just a short head in front of Special Tiara in fourth and last.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins said afterwards: "He was very, very good, and he was very brave at some of his fences.
"We decided to let him roll on today, although Special Tiara can go very fast.
"He fiddled one ditch at the bottom of the hill, but otherwise he was very good. Ruby felt there was plenty in the tank.
"I reckon we will go to Cheltenham again, probably for the Champion Chase, although I probably have him entered in everything.
"He has won a Grade One going left-handed and there is nothing really else for him here before the Festival."
Paddy Power have left the winner unchanged at 16/1 for the Champion Chase, while he is also unchanged at 14/1 for the Ryanair.
Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins were of course completing a double on the card after the success of Wicklow Brave second.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
