Meade-trained mare sets the pace at Punchestown

Noel Meade was on the mark at Punchestown today when Bonny Kate set the pace for jockey Sean Flanagan in the three and a half mile Grand National Trial Handicap Chase and had six lengths to spare at the post from the Ruby Walsh-partnered favourite Baie Des Iles.

'She stays well and jumps well and you would have to be thinking of the Irish National. She's in the four-mile race at Cheltenham and that is also a possibility,' commented the trainer.

Ashbourne jockey Andrew Lynch was also on the mark to maintain his good form when he partnered Ballyboker Bridge to victory in the PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase.

The Cross-Country Chase at Cheltenham could be a target in March.

Barry Geraghty added another winner to his tally for boss JP McManus when he guided Rathpatrick for the first time and made it count in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).

Longwood-based trainer Gordon Elliott was on the mark with Ball D'Arc took the Listed INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle for Gigginstown.