THE West's Awake was a poignant winner of the BETDAQ Rated Novice Chase at Punchestown. The 16/1 chance is trained by Edward O'Grady, whose wife Maria died following a fall while out hunting last Saturday.

Bravissimo went to the front a long way from home but with the three fences in the back straight omitted due to the low sun, there was only four left to jump.

He was still at the head of affairs approaching the last but appeared to be running on empty whereas The West's Awake, who had to concede weight all round under Andrew Lynch, was just hitting top gear.

He jumped the final fence in a share of the lead with favourite Woods Well, but found more after it and came three and three-quarter lengths away.

After returning to a warm reception, Lynch said: "I was talking to Mr O'Grady the other day and he said carry on and hopefully he might bring us a bit of luck.

"He's done it well and Mr O'Grady wasn't sure whether he would handle the ground or not, but he picked up well. It's great that he's won and hopefully that will give him a bit of a lift."

BRIGHT FUTURE

Bon Papa looks to have a very bright future over fences after making a winning start in that sphere in the Download The Betdaw App Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

Found wanting in a couple of Grade 1s over three miles after winning a maiden hurdle at the start of the year, Willie Mullins' 5/2 shot was dropped to two miles for his chasing bow and raced in mid-division.

There is still something to work on in the jumping department, but his big engine carried him into contention nearing the straight and after taking it up before the last, he powered 11 lengths clear of Light That.

The victory completed a double for Barry Geraghty, who was also successful on board the Gavin Cromwell-trained Spades Are Trumps (10/1) in the opening maiden hurdle.

Mullins said: "He jumped well and he wants further. The further he was going the better he was going, so we'll probably up him in trip the next time he runs. He could go for the race at Limerick (Grade 2 Greenmount Park Novice)."

READ THE FULL PUNCHESTOWN REPORT IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD