Benbulben spectacular in the Growise

Mount Benbulben gave Danny Mullins a special 21st birthday present when landing the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Putting it together in the jumping department in a spectacular way, Mount Benbulben bolted-up by twenty two lengths from Tofino Bay Dedigout fell early, bringing down Harry Topper whilst Boston Bob had got into the contest to some extent before exiting at the third last.

Winning owner Barry Connell said: "Danny has been a big help to me since he started riding for me. It's brilliant to get a Grade 1 together.

"I think the fact that the horse didn't go to Cheltenham meant he was a fresher horse coming here.

"They went a stride slower in the three mile race and he was able to get into a rhythm and jump.

"Hopefully next year now he'll be there in all the three mile races and he'll be competitive.

"He's learning all the time."

Successful trainer Gordon Elliott revealed: "We always knew he was a good horse. His jumping just had to come together.

"Danny's done a great job and he's been down to Con Powers to school as well.

He's done a great job with him.

"So have all the lads in the yard.

"He has a serious engine, we just had to get him jumping and I'm delighted with that.

"He'll be put in a field now and we'll see what happens.

"We'll chat with Barry and we'll enjoy today. He's a horse that has to go right-handed." (GC & EM)