FELIX YONGER COULD skip the Queen Mother Champion Chase and head for Japan instead.
The 10-year-old shortened in the betting for Cheltenham’s two-mile showpiece, cut from 20/1 to 14/1, after winning the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown this afternoon.
But trainer Willie Mullins indicated afterwards that the Nakayama Grand Jump, with its mouthwatering purse of €500,000 for the winner, is also under consideration.
Ridden to the front by Ruby Walsh before the last, Felix Yonger (Evs f) ran on to win by 1 3/4 lengths from Flemenstar (3/1 j2f) with Mozoltov a further 2 1/2 lengths back in third.
Punchestown – Sunday’s Results
13.30 - 1. Balko Des Flos (11/8f) 2. Robin Thyme (3/1 2f) 3. Indian Court (10/3)
14.00 - 1. Ball D’Arc (9/2) 2. Royal Caviar (4/1 2f) 3. Monbeg Rose (25/1)
14.30 - 1. Rathpatrick (16/1) 2. Oscar Sam (9/2 2f) 3. Mall Dini (5/2f)
15.00 - 1. Felix Yonger (Evs f) 2. Flemenstar (3/1 j2f) 3. Mozoltov (3/1 j2f)
15.30 - 1. Ballyboker Bridge (9/2) 2. Cantlow (11/10f) 3. Love Rory (3/1 2f)
16.05 - 1. Bonny Kate (4/1) 2. Baie des Isles (3/1f) 3. Folsom Blue (10/1)
16.35 - 1. Battleford (4/6f) 2. Presenting Percy (50/1) 3. A Rated (13/2)
