Cape Gentleman collects on chasing debut as Ballyadam crashes out at first fence

A heavy first-fence fall for chasing debutant Ballyadam put paid to hopes of an early-season heavyweight clash but classy hurdler Cape Gentleman stepped up to the mark and made a winning start over fences for Emmet Mullins in the 2m1f beginners' chase.

Rated 142 over hurdles, the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle winner and Galway Hurdle third obliged at 7-4 under Brian Hayes after the early departure of the 8-11 favourite.

The winner put in a satisfactory round of jumping and Mullins is now eyeing Graded options after the comfortable victory against two other finishers.

"It was a great starting point for him and it's always a relief to see them do that when they go over fences," said Mullins.

Ballyadam jumps the second fence loose after falling at first obstacleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He made a little novicey mistake at the second-last but it was a good round of jumping. He's a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner and I think he's entitled to go down the Graded route over fences now."

Royal Bond Novice Hurdle scorer Ballyadam seemed to gallop away from the incident unscathed.

Bell Ex One hitting right notes for Cody

Trainer Ray Cody is considering a tilt at Cheltenham's November meeting for improving three-year-old hurdler Bell Ex One, who made it two wins from three starts over obstacles in the race won by Triumph Hurdle hero Quilixios last year.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite, the mount of in-form conditional Jack Foley followed up his recent Listowel success on good ground that was possibly a shade quicker than ideal.

Results, replays and analysis

Pick up your copy of The Big Jump Off, our all-new 72-page pullout free in the Racing Post on Monday, October 18 and featuring the views of Tom Segal, Paul Kealy, Patrick Mullins, Paul Nicholls, James Willoughby, Katie Walsh, Richard Johnson, Keith Melrose, Chris Cook, Lee Mottershead, David Jennings, Gavin Lynch, Lizzie Kelly, Graeme Rodway, Dave Orton, Steve Mason, Tom Collins and more!