Champion Trainer Willie Mullins continues to dominate the Punchestown festival and following a double at the meeting yesterday, completed a treble on the day with Elfile s win in the Listed Close Brothers (Mares) Novice Hurdle today.

Mullins was today without the services of retired stable jockey Ruby Walsh but newly appointed supremo Paul Townend steered Elfile to a comfortable ten lengths win, to provide Townend with his second winner of the afternoon.

Afterwards Mullins stated “she (Elfile) looks smart. I think she wants another half mile but she’s such a slick jumper that she’s able to counteract that.

“I think once she goes up in trip she’ll be better and Paul thought the ground was quick enough for her too. She wants a good dig in the ground.

“She’s one to look forward to next year and I’d say she will stay hurdling.

“I was also very happy with Allez Dance (third). She’s always had a lot of training issues but hopefully with maturity she’ll come right.”

Quotes from Alan Magee