A 535/1 treble for Willie and Patrick Mullins was completed when Montalbano led home a 1-2 for the yard in the Donohue Marquees Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Willie is now back in the driving seat at odds of 1/6 with Paddy Power to be champion trainer, whilst Patrick kept alive his hopes of being on the podium after racing tomorrow. He's now two behind Jamie Codd.

Ruby Walsh looked like he was going to take this for winning owners Susannah and Rich Ricci when going to the front on Riven Light before the last.

However Montalbano had more to give on the run-in and he eventually scored by a neck.

Willie and Patrick had made it a Grade 1 double earlier with Wicklow Brave and Bacardys

Willie Mullins said: "He's a horse that promised a lot early on, and he needs good ground. That's the key to him.

"I think Riven Light idled a bit in front but we can rectify that. At least he's showing a bit more form than he had previously, and he'll probably go on the Flat. The two of them may go on the Flat.

On the championship he stated: "I'm not thinking about where we stand, I'm just trying to get our horses to run as well as they can. We have been hitting the bar but it's starting to come together and hopefully it will last for the next 24 hours.

"It's been the way the season has been going for us. The last few days of Festivals have good to us, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

"It's huge for Patrick to ride three winners for us today. His riding has got us back in front in the championship. If it comes to pass that we win the championship then Patrick's winners today will make it all the more special."

(AM & EM)