“It was a great performance. He's been to Cheltenham and ran a great race in the Topham. This horse really does festivals,” said Nicky Henderson after winning the Grade A Guinness Handicap Chase at Punchestown with O O Seven

Nico de Boinville did the steering on the 16/1 chance, and he beat Livelovelaugh and Sizing Granite by two and a half lengths and four and three parts of a length.

O O Seven was soon in front, and he fended off Livelovelaugh after that rival made a mistake at the last.

“Christopher and Bridget Hanbury are our greatest friends and they live over here quite a lot of the time," further reflected Henderson.

“For them any winner is good and this horse deserved a good race.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Class Conti (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have scoped dirty post race.

P. Townend, rider of Class Conti (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having never travelled during the race.

(GC & EM)