Saldier makes it a Grade One double for Mullins

Saldier brought up a Grade One double for Willie Mullins at Punchestown and put the seal on a terrific week for the Closutton trainer. Mr Adjudicator (10/3) looked to be the Mullins first string in this AES Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle but try as he might after the last, he couldn't chase down Saldier who stuck to his task well at 10/1, backed in from 16s.

The winning margin was three lengths while Saglawy made it a one-two-three for Mullins in third at 8/1. Stormy Ireland was backed down to 15/8 favouritism but unseated David Mullins at the last when out of contention.

Saldier wins the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle! 1-2-3-4 for Willie Mullins in the final Grade 1 of the week at @punchestownrace... pic.twitter.com/KjJIJHu1ui

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 28, 2018

Willie Mullins said: "He's a very good horse. His jumping let him down the last two runs but Robbie (Power) sorted that out today. He brushed up on his jumping and Robbie said he jumped fantastically today.

"I think all these could go to France, we haven't been hard on out four-year-olds this year. They have had a really easy time of it and it has paid off.

"He will stay hurdling next year.

"Punchestown is a lucky place for me!"

Jockey Robbie Power said: “The lads thought a lot of him and it’s just his jumping has been the problem. Today he jumped much better probably because of the better ground. He’s got a good turn of foot as well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee