Punchestown wins for Dunguib & Quel Esprit

Dunguib maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles with another effortless victory in the Ballymaloe Country Relish Hurdle at Punchestown.

Philip Fenton's six-year-old (2-13 favourite) never came off the bridle on the very soft ground and stayed on course for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle next March.

Brian O'Connell sent him into the lead down the back straight and the result was never in doubt as he coasted away from Puyol to score by four and a half lengths. He was cut to 9-4 for Cheltenham by Victor Chandler and William Hill.

Enda Bolger is the master of the cross-country events and it was no surprise that his challenger L'Ami proved far too strong for the opposition in the Event Power Risk Of Thunder Chase.

Formerly top-class over regulation fences, the 10-year-old was always travelling sweetly for JT McNamara and took over at the second-last, where long-time leader Lord Nellerie made a bad error.

L'Ami, sent off at 4-11 favourite in the JP McManus colours, popped over the final flight and eased to victory by 18 lengths from Benefit Night.

Quel Esprit had smart form in bumpers last season and looks to have a big future in the jumping sphere as he landed a debut victory under Paul Townend in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

Willie Mullins' charge (4-9 favourite) ranged up travelling sweetly approaching the last and soon put the race to bed, winning a shade cosily by a length and three-quarters.

Action Master comprehensively reversed form with his course-and-distance conqueror Gimli's Rock to land the Punchestown Christmas Market 3-Y-O Hurdle.

Dessie Hughes's charge (10-1) slipped through on the inner to take it up approaching the final flight under Roger Loughran and ran on well to beat Southampton by eight lengths.

Summit Meeting won a Punchestown bumper last month and showed his liking for the track with a debut success over obstacles in the Jack Mahon Memorial Maiden Hurdle.