Tout gives Mullins another nice surprise

Not for the first time at Punchestown this week Willie Mullins was on the mark with one of his lesser fancied runners as Avant Tout recorded a 20/1 surprise in the Donohue Marquees Handicap Hurdle.

The Closutton maestro was expected to collect in this three-mile event with 9/4 favourite Pleasant Company and the seven-year-old gelding travelled well to lead in the straight.

However he was soon pressed by the smooth travelling Avant Tout, and Danny Mullins sent the Supreme Horse Racing Club representative to the front at the last.

The French-bred five-year-old stayed on strongly on the run-in to score by over three lengths. Rogue Trader took the runner-up berth as the favourite faded into third, with Never Said That completing the placings in fourth.

Willie Mullins said, "He disappointed at Cheltenham and I didn't know what he would do on this ground. Danny gave him a fantastic ride. He was creeping away all the way.

"He ran well here earlier this year over two miles which was way too short for him, so obviously he likes this place."

Danny Mullins said, "Early in the year he was a lovely horse and it was just that disappointment at Cheltenham we were wondering would he come back to form today. Credit to Willie for getting him back into shape."

(GC & AM)