G2, Cheltenham Listed win for Yeats

Yeats’ son Some Neck (7g Yeats-Maternelle, by Machiavellian) looked better than ever at Punchestown on Sunday when winning the G2 Liam & Valerie Brennan Memorial Florida Pearl Novice Chase.

Trained by Willie Mullins for Susannah Ricci, the grey hit the front after the final fence and stayed on well to claim the prize under David Mullins.

"David rides him well and that's twice he’s come from off the pace as he also won on him at Gowran,” said Willie Mullins.

Some Neck was bred in France by SCA Dela Perrigne and Elevage Decourteille.

Meanwhile, Yeats four-year-old Master Debonair (4g Yeats-Swincombe Flame, by Exit To Nowhere) looks a real name for the future after winning the Listed bumper at Cheltenham, also on Sunday afternoon.

Ridden by James Bowen and trained by Colin Tizzard, the four-year-old fended off the late challenge of the Philip Hobbs-trained Thyme Hill to score by a neck.

"For a four-year-old, it's lovely," smiled the delighted trainer. "From his three runs now this horse has had two wins and a second, what we'll do with him after this, I don't know. He could easily be a G1 Champion Bumper horse.

"He will stay further. We'll see what he's likes over hurdles. We have schooled him and he goes lovely. For the time being, I think two miles is his trip however.”

Bowen added: "Master Debonair has a big engine and is very genuine - he is a really nice horse. He is an easy horse to organise and for a bumper horse that is a real asset.”

Master Debonair was bred by M C and Mrs Yeo.