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Garde Champetre remains on course to bid for a third victory in the cross-country chase at the Cheltenham Festival following his first win in 14 months at Punchestown on Wednesday.
The 12-year-old got the better of Lord Nellerie by three and a half lengths to end a run of five defeats and justify his short price of 1-4. The Enda Bolger-trained gelding is now likely to travel over to Britain for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase which he won in 2008 and 2009, although he could only finish fifth last March.
"He's grand, not a bother. He wasn't overly impressive, but he got the job done and we'll see how he goes. All being well he'll head over to Cheltenham," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
Garde Champetre is generally the 4-1 favourite for more Festival honours on March 15.
