Vautour bags another Grade 1

The brilliance that was in evidence at Cheltenham wasn't there today but Vautour confirmed that there's much to look forward to when taking the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown under Ruby Walsh.

He didn't jump as well as he did cross-channel and in all likelihood he was being chased down by another potential top-notcher of the future in Apache Stronghold

However he never really looked like being caught and Vautour's all the way from the front effort eventually carried him to a three and a half length victory.

The other two participants here, Lieutenant Colonel and Lac Fontana followed home at distances of six lengths and three and a quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins quipped: "It's great to get a winner – Jessie didn't have a runner there so we had a chance."

The Closutton maestro then remarked: "That certainly wasn't in keeping with his Cheltenham form. Maybe the spectacular run there left its mark.

"If he hadn't been there and been so impressive you would have said that was very good. He showed what he can do anyway.

"He wasn't right at the start of the week – just not 100 per cent. He had a few easy days and maybe everything took its told.

"Ruby said he was a little bit feely and maybe Cheltenham was a little bit firm.

"They are all things we'll have to look at. We have a lot of thinking to do as the same owner has so many nice novices and we'll try to plan for each of them next year." (GC & EM)