'That was better than I expected' - flawless Gaelic Warrior makes a huge statement on chase debut

Gaelic Warrior was cut to 4-1 favourite (from 6-1) for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase by Paddy Power after a hugely impressive chase debut under Paul Townend in the 2m3f beginners' contest as he left a good field trailing in his wake.

Memories were refreshed of his maiden hurdle success at Tramore a year ago when he spreadeagled some vastly inferior rivals by upwards of 86 lengths. It looked as though something similar was going to occur here so far clear had he pulled at one stage, but he eventually came home on his own by 15 lengths from Inothewayurthinkin having been out on his own from early.

His jumping was mostly very good, and while he was novicey at one or two of his fences, he was able to correct himself and gave the impression he could do nothing but improve for the experience.

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "That was better than I expected – he ran very fresh today. We all know he stays and we were planning on running him over a longer trip after today, but maybe after that performance I need to have a rethink.

"The way he ran and jumped, I don't think it would be a problem dropping him back to two miles. 

"We thought there would be a lot more pace in the race and that he would settle better. Maybe he will as the season goes on, but if he doesn't we'll just keep him to shorter trips. 

"Jumping wise he was a bit novicey at one or two, but he was sure of himself and never looked like falling. We will see where we go around Christmas and new year."

Predators remains unbeaten

Mullins and Townend could have some exciting times ahead this season courtesy of the Gigginstown-owned Predators Gold, as the Goffs Defender Bumper winner made it two wins from two starts with another success at Punchestown in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

The son of Masked Marvel was fresh and exuberant the whole way, but he still picked up like a good horse from the last to beat the well-touted newcomer Mossy Fen Park by six lengths.

The impressive Predators Gold (Paul Townend) gets off the mark over smaller obstacles in the 2m3½f maiden hurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

Champdou team dominate

Gordon Elliott looks to have another progressive novice chaser on his hands as the Gigginstown-owned Favori De Champdou put up an improved performance to win a hotly contested Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase.

The son of Saddler Maker benefited from sub-standard efforts from his recent Galway conqueror Affordale Fur and Flooring Porter, who once again showed his frailties going right-handed. However it was hard to argue with the way the winner galloped clear to beat Sandor Clegane 14 lengths.

"He had a good run the last day and we thought he had come on, but we thought it would be tough," said Elliott. 

"Jack [Kennedy] said he stayed very well, jumped brilliant and took his time to pull up. He's a nice horse and I would imagine we'll go for something at Christmas, and he might be one for the National Hunt Chase."

The win was the centrepiece of a 157-1 four-timer for Elliott and a treble for Kennedy with Mighty Bandit in the opening juvenile hurdle, Yeats Star in the novice handicap hurdle and The Enabler in the bumper the other winners.

In addition to the victories of Predators Gold, Favori De Champdou and The Enabler, Gigginstown completed a four-timer of their own when the year-absent Idas Boy won the handicap chase for Noel Meade and Sam Ewing.

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'He's just class, isn't he?' - Paul Townend thrilled as State Man proves himself to be the ultimate pro once again 

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