MULLINS HAILS ‘ELECTRIC' CHACUN AFTER EASY WIN

BRILLIANT Chacun Pour Soi bounced back to his best when producing a spectacular display to land the Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase, highlight of the opening day of the Punchestown Festival.

- PETER O’HEHIR

The nine-year-old, a disappointing third in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, suited by a change of tactics, made virtually all the running, jumping with his customary exuberance, for an emphatic five and a half lengths victory.

Stablemate and Ryanair winner Allaho, was outpaced at a crucial stage before staying on to fill the runner-up berth, with British raider Nube Negra (second in the Queen Mother) in third.

Paul Townend, on his second ride back after sustaining a foot injury at Fairyhouse on April 4, clearly relished his opportunity, and subsequently described the performance as “electric”.

And Willie Mullins declared: “It was a tremendous performance from the horse and jockey.