Gavin Cromwell says he was very happy with Darver Star's first run over fences after a winning debut at Punchestown on Tuesday.
The eight-year-old is expected to be a major player in the Arkle Chase come next year's Cheltenham Festival and gave every indication he has taken to life over large obstacles very well.
Sent off the odds-on favourite in the opener at Punchestown, jockey Keith Donoghue guided him to the front of the field without too many issues as he went on to score by 12 lengths.
Cromwell was pleased with the relatively polished display and is hopeful of another big season from Darver Star having seen him come from relative obscurity to pick up victories at Killarney, Listowel and Limerick last year, before a career-best effort to finish third in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Cromwell told Racing TV: “I was delighted with him. His jumping was a bit sticky early on all right, but I think he was just following the horse in front of him.
“When they quickened up I thought he jumped a lot better and he'll have learnt a lot from today, I'm sure.
“I was happy with the way he finished off. I'm not sure where we'll go next ? I've not made any plans just yet.”
While Cromwell says he's unsure of his next destination, speculation has indicated he could return to Punchestown in mid-November for the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase.
