Yorkhill described as 'Arkle material' after chase debut win

Yorkhill took the transition to fences in his stride with an effortless success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse under Ruby Walsh, after which trainer Willie Mullins described the 1-8 favourite as "Arkle material".

A three-time Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season, Yorkhill is one of the most exciting novice chase prospects around and showed his aptitude for jumping with an economical round.

The only minor blot on his copybook would be a tendency to jump out to his left, but that would not be an issue at Cheltenham. He is a best-priced 9-1 for the Racing Post Arkle with Coral, while Paddy Power trimmed his JLT Novices' Chase price to 3-1 (from 4).

Mullins said: "I thought it was a good performance first-time over fences. He did go to the left at several fences but that isn't a worry. If he has to go left or right then going left is better when you think of Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Aintree.

"We think he is Arkle Trophy material and his hurdle form would certainly suggest he is. Leopardstown at Christmas will probably come too soon for him, so we'll wait and see what will be next for him. He would have no problem going up in trip although two miles suits him well."

Walsh initially attempted to take a lead off Burgas but the runner-up could not go the early pace and Yorkhill took over at the third fence before cruising his way around to an uncontested 14-length victory.