Al Boum Photo back with a bang in Savills Chase at Tramore

Brahma Bull unseated David Mullins early on but there was no such drama from Al Boum Photo despite a few sketchy jumps on the first circuit.

Djingle took them along with Acapella Bourgeois second and Al Boum Photo third as they went single file on the opening lap, but as they went out again the early leader had had enough.

Acapella Bourgeois took over in the lead, but Paul Townend was comfortable on his dual Gold Cup winning-stablemate in second and the pair picked up the running before the last fence.

A good jump at the final obstacle sealed matters and he ran out a ready winner of the Grade 3 contest for the third successive year, this time at odds of 2/9.

Despite the straightforward nature of the task the bookies didn't hesitate in trimming him for a third Gold Cup in March, Paddy Power going 7/2 from 9/2.

Mullins said: “It’s a big relief. It was nerve-wracking watching him going around there. The sun was a worry and it probably cost Brahma Bull (unseated rider at second fence).

“He jumped very well and Paul said he was just so idle on his own in the middle of the race, he didn’t even think he was in race. He had to roust him up down the back, but once he got racing he was fine. Lack of company was a bigger worry for Paul than anything else.

“The ground is very, very testing out there. We are happy with his performance, he did what he was asked to do. We just hope now that he comes out of it sound and well and we will plan for the Festival. That’s the first hurdle jumped anyway.

“Halfway around today I was thinking it would have been easier to go to Leopardstown because there would be less focus on him. When you come here, you have to win and you have to win nicely and he did all those things.

“I usually like to do what has worked before and hopefully it will work again. A lot of ours are improving for their first run of the year and I’m expecting him to do the same.”