THE Grade 1 novice races at the Punchestown Festival threw up a mix of confirmation of excellence (Footpad and Next Destination), unexpected promotion to the top flight (Draconien and Dortmund Park) and a finish that resembled something out of the Keystone Cops or Wacky Races (in which The Storyteller emerged on top).

Footpad ended up with little to beat in the Ryanair Novice Chase on Thursday, with Petit Mouchoir and Castlegrace Paddy failing to run their races, but was imperious all the same in coming home 12 lengths to the good over Optimus Prime. A timefigure of 148 is well below Footpad’s sensational 175 figure in the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, a run which identifies him as the best novice chaser of recent years.