Ballyburn made 2-1 Arkle favourite after flawless chasing debut at Punchestown - and trip to Britain among options for next race

Ballyburn emulated the likes of Faugheen, Gaelic Warrior and Champagne Fever by landing prohibitive odds in straightforward fashion on his first foray over fences as he galloped to a 13-length victory in the 2m3f beginners' chase.

He shortened into 2-1 favourite (from 5-2) for the Arkle with Paddy Power, while the same firm trimmed the Ronnie Bartlett and David Manasseh-owned six-year-old into 4-1 favourite (from 5) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

As chase debuts go, it was as seamless a transition from hurdles to fences as it gets and trainer Willie Mullins was naturally enthused.

"He did it very well and took a good blow during the race, which means there's a lot of improvement to come." he said. "A lot of ours are running that way, so it was a worry going out. He jumped from fence to fence, so me and Paul [Townend] are very pleased with that."

There was no cause for concern throughout as Townend sent his mount into the lead from the outset and he put in a splendid jumping display, showcasing his ability to take a cut at his fences, particularly at the fourth, while also being very clever when getting in tight.

Ballyburn: Paul Townend with winning connectionsCredit: Patrick McCann

Jack Kennedy on Dee Capo tried to keep tabs on the leader and did so for a long way, but a mistake four out knocked the stuffing out of him, whereas Ballyburn came up beautifully for Townend.

He gave another spring-heeled leap at the penultimate fence, after which his rider allowed him to stride on and the response was instantaneous. He negotiated the last in assured fashion and galloped 13 lengths clear of his staying-on stablemate Ocastle Des Mottes.

A staple of his imperious novice hurdle campaign was his tendency to carry his head low during his races and that was a feature again today, which gave Mullins confidence Ballyburn would take to his new assignment well.

With the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas festival axed, the trainer isn't flush with options, so floated the idea of travelling to Britain for his next run.

"He has a lovely, low head carriage and usually horses like that are very good jumpers. There's no race for him at Christmas and we won't go Limerick or Leopardstown. We might look at Naas [new Racing Post-sponsored Grade 2 novice chase on January 5] or we could go to England; we'll have a look. We haven't been looking past today."

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