Despite being sent off the outsider of three, Ballyadam came out on top in the feature at Punchestown this afternoon, the Make The Tote App Your New Year's Resolution Hurdle.

Successful at the highest level over flights and second in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March, the Henry de Bromhead trained bay lacked a recent run and was sent to post a 7/2 chance.

Carrying the second colours of Cheveley Park Stud, the soon to be 10-year-old raced in second under Rachael Blackmore, as Saint Sam (8/13f) attempted to make all.

Taking closer order from three out, the 149-rated victor was ridden to challenge the market leader approaching the last and after a good scrap on the run-in, there was just half-a-length between them at the line.

Willie Mullins trains the runner-up and is also responsible for Sir Gerhard who finished 27-lengths away in rear.

"It's great to get his head in front. He's been a very consistent horse and always runs his race," Robbie Power, representing de Bromhead, commented,

"I've no idea where he is going next but it's nice to get his head back in front."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee