Ile Atlantique makes seamless transition to fences

Ile Atlantique made a perfect start to his chasing career when landing the QuinnBet Beginners Chase at Navan.

Willie Mullins’ six-year-old was placed at Grade One level over hurdles and was graduating to the larger obstacles under Paul Townend in a field of 18.

The gelding was the 5-4 favourite to land an informative race over a trip just in excess of two and a half miles, with Good Land, Mahon’s Way, No Flies On Him and Waterford Whispers among his rivals.

He was well able to deal with them all, however, and made a real impression with an educational round of jumping that led to a nine-length triumph from Waterford Whispers with the returning Good Land running a promising race in third after missing the whole of last season.

“I just let him learn today on it, he had to figure it out a bit himself,” said Townend.

“We could have gone out and winged everything, but he would learn more if he could do it himself.

“He rides a stronger horse this year. There were question marks of him seeing out his races before, but I think he has just needed all the time. A fence will help him with that as well, and maturity.

“He’s fast from one side to the other. Hopefully, he is going to have a good novice chase season.

“I like him a lot – I loved him last year and he didn’t fulfil what I thought he was going to do. I just think sitting on him, he’s so big this year, and he has taken this much time.”