Yanworth slashed to 6-1 for cross-country after bouncing back at Punchestown

Yanworth, a dual Grade 1 scorer over hurdles, returned to the winner's enclosure after running out a gritty winner of the Risk Of Thunder cross-country chase at Punchestown.

Formerly trained by Alan King, the nine-year-old was pulled up on his debut for Enda Bolger at Listowel last time, but bounced back after jumping and travelling kindly under Mark Walsh.

The former Christmas and Liverpool Hurdle winner clearly took to the unique banks fences at the track before pulling a length and a half clear at the line ahead of Neverushacon, with Ballyboker Bridge in third.

A delighted Bolger said afterwards: "He had a small disadvantage, having gone to Cheltenham on Wednesday before getting back on Friday evening. We were worried when we were in Cheltenham with the amount of rain that was falling there.

"It's his first time around here today and he should improve a lot for it. He jumped well and had his ears pricked a bit coming up the straight. It was a proper race."

On future plans for the 5-6 favourite, Bolger added: "He'll probably go to Cheltenham in December, that would look the logical step."

Betfair reacted by cutting Yanworth to 6-1 (from 20) for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday