NOTEBOOK got the new season at Punchestown off to an entirely appropriate start as he produced a dashing display in the Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Beginners Chase which bodes well for his career over the larger obstacles.

A third winner of this race in four years for Henry de Bromhead, Notebook was a useful 130-rated novice hurdler last season but it is over fences that he looks to have found his true calling. The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding turned in splendid round of jumping for Rachael Blackmore and was particularly good at the last two fences when pressed by Eclair De Beaufeu. Indeed the 11/8 favourite’s jump at the last was especially impressive and this put the seal on an assured two-and-three-quarter-length success.