On his first start since falling early in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, Bachasson (9/4) reverted to the smaller obstacles with aplomb in the Tote Pays Dividends Hurdle at Punchestown.

Bachasson's trainer Willie Mullins fielded three of the five runners for this two and a half miler and his market-leader Scarpeta s jumping didn't prove up to scratch. He eventually finished third. De Plotting Shed tried to assert from two out under Davy Russell, but the Ruby Walsh-ridden Bachasson came through from the back to 'get' him after the last.

On debut for J P McManus and Joseph O'Brien Darasso ran well to chase Bachasson home at a distance of two and a quarter lengths.

Last year's winner and stable companion to Bachasson, Killultagh Vic brought up the rear on this occasion.

“It was a nice surprise to finish the year off,” said Mullins.

“It's great to have him back because he had a nasty injury after the Gold Cup.

“This was a nice race to bring him back but I didn't dream that he was straight enough to win but he did it well.

“I might keep him hurdling for the foreseeable future and the same with Killultagh Vic, if I can find races for them.

“Scarpeta will obviously be the same. He probably just wanted a longer trip and his jumping let him down again.

“Killultagh Vic will probably get an entry for the Irish Gold Cup but I thinking more about the horse and keeping him sound. He'll have to get an entry alright but we'll see.

“I'm trying to keep both of them hurdling. I'd like to keep Bachasson hurdling anyway, I might have to change my plans with Killultagh Vic.

“I'm thinking about keeping them sound but we'll have to see. I hadn't been thinking about the Irish Gold Cup but it's a race we'll have to consider.”

(GC & EM)