Killarney National winner Pont Aval brings up Mullins' treble

Just the seven horses completed the course in the Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase and it was Pont Aval who powered home in the hands of Sean O'Keeffe.

The 16/1 shot gave Willie Mullins a treble on the card after earlier successes for Saldier (7/4f) and Hauturiere (6/5f).

The furthest trip Pont Aval had previously raced over was an extended three miles at Fairyhouse where she finished fifth last month.

This 3m2f on drying ground proved ideal for her today as she ran on strongly to overwhelm Gateau De Miel She then drew seven lengths clear of the 9/1 runner-up. Definite Plan who cut out a lot of the running, came in third another four and a-half lengths back.

O'Keeffe said: “She jumped well and stayed going really well today. I was happy to get her jumping and travelling, and hopefully come home well with the light weight.

“They quickened turning in and I felt after the second last that a good jump at the last she would go and win her race. I’m delighted with her.

“She had some good runs over fences and things just happened fast for her at Punchestown the last day. She showed that she had a race like this in her and it’s great to get it.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee