Notebook and Rachael Blackmore pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The Henry de Bromhead trained Notebook ran out a comfortable winner of the opener at Punchestown this afternoon, the Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Beginners Chase.
A winner of a point-to-point at Dromahane when trained by John Nallen, the German bred son of Samum since claimed a maiden hurdle at Tramore on New Year's Day.
Second in a Grade 3 at Thurles in February, the six-year-old bay was well-fancied to make a winning start over the larger obstacles today, going off the clear 5/4 favourite.
Settled in second by Rachael Blackmore, he improved to lead from three out and extended his advantage away from the last, going on to score by two and three parts of a length. Eclair De Beaufeu (7/2), who like the winner is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, filled the runner-up spot under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Advantage Point (10/3) was eleven lengths back in third.
"I'm delighted with that. We always hoped that he was going to be a nice chaser," said de Bromhead.
"He's started off nicely so that's great. Rachael said he jumped brilliant and galloped away, that's his gig.
"We'll see if he can progress from his hurdles level. It was a great ride from Rachael.
"We'll see what everyone wants to do but it's lovely to get that out of the way and have a winning start.
"The Craddockstown would be a race we'd have on our minds."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
