Flawless Escape broke his jumping duck in the attheraces.com Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown on Thursday.

Gordon Elliott's bumper winner got closest to Willie Mullins' bright prospect Burrows Saint at Punchestown last month, and it was another French import from Closutton in Francin who headed the market here.

Lack of a proper pace resulted in a slightly messy race and there were still plenty in contention after what was the final flight, with the usual last omitted, but Flawless Escape (11/4) showed a willing attitude for Roger Loughran and accounted for Jetez by a length.

The Mullins-trained import Francin was a short head back third.

Elliott said: "He's a fine, big, galloping horse and is a chaser for next year."

CHELTENHAM QUALIFIER

Mine Now held the late thrust of A Great View to claim top honours in Leopardstown's Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).

Richard Deegan's decision to kick for home on the turn paid dividends, although the Peter Fahey-trained 33/1 shot didn't win as cosily as appeared likely at that stage.

Still well clear entering the final furlong, Mine Now began to tread water and A Great View emerged from the pack, but the line came in time and he clung on by a short head.

Fahey said: "He deserves it as we were just nicked for a big pot in Galway. You can put a line through his last run as I went back too soon with him. He needs to run fresh as he's a small little horse and he puts everything into his runs.

"We've had a great year, our best ever, and it's all down to everyone at home as we have great staff. I'm delighted for Richie, and taking 7lb off is a great help.

"When we have a chance of going to Cheltenham we might as well go, and that will probably be his next run.

"He has plenty of pace to travel well in those races. I was always worrying about three miles with him but the drier ground definitely helped."

SNOW EASY

Snow Falcon stamped his class on the Midland Legal Solicitors Beginners Chase at Leopardstown.

A dual Grade 2 winner over the smaller obstacles and third in the Drinmore, Noel Meade's charge was only second best in the market behind 5/6 favourite Bacardys, with the exciting Sutton Manor a non-runner.

Wishmoor took them along, with Snow Falcon and Bacardys in close attendance, but the latter crashed out before the race began in earnest.

Snow Falcon (11/8) soon assumed control and coasted across the line 28 lengths to the good over Wishmoor, who was the only other finisher.

Meade and jockey Sean Flanagan also took the feature Leopardstown Christmas Chase with Road To Respect.

The winning trainer said: "I thought he'd win anyway, even if the other fella (Bacardys) had stayed in. He's a fair steed and he jumps fences a lot better than he jumped hurdles. He used to blitz hurdles out of the ground and when he missed one, he just missed it.

"Going over fences he's changed and does everything right."

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