Dual purpose performer Holy Orders upset slight-odds-on market leader Sacundai in a thrilling finish to the Ballymore Properties Stayers Hurdle on day three of the Punchestown Festival.
Winner of a listed race in effortless fashion at Navan last Saturday, the gelded son of Unblest needed all of Shay Barry's urgings to get the better of the Martell Hurdle hero on the run-in to land the spoils by half-a-length.
'I should have had him over 3m a long time ago as it gives him time to settle better. That's my fault but I thought we would pick up a few valuable 2m handicaps along the way,' said Mullins, who added it was 'unlikely' Holy Orders would reappear in the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle tomorrow.
'I am looking at a flat campaign with him at the moment but the French Champion Hurdle is an option at this stage,' said Willie Mullins of 3m hurdle hero Holy Orders.
Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh combined to complete a big race double sparked off with runaway Ayr winner Sporazene in the Grade 1 IAWS 4yo Hurdle.
Sent off at 7/1 after an emphatic 14L victory at the Scottish track earlier this month, Walsh seized the initiative after rounding the home turn when kicking his mount into a clear lead and the partnership kept on under pressure to defeat Triumph Hurdle victor Spectroscope by a diminishing 2L.
'This could be the first serious Champion Hurdle horse we've had in the yard,' said a jubilant Nicholls afterwards of his improving grey.
Half-an-hour later Aintree winner Le Roi Migeul made every yard a winning one to win the Grade 1 Swordlestown Novice Chase in brave fashion. Ratgar Beau through down a serious challenge in the straight but a bad blunder at the last put paid to his assault while Impek failed to deliver again when holding every chance jumping 3 out.
'That was a great performance for a 5yo and he's going to be a crack two miler,' said the winning trainer.
Cork winner Sabadilla collared a gallant front runner Peace In Ireland on the run-in to land the opener for trainer-rider Pat Verling while Buailtes And Fadas, a winner here on Wednesday, defied a 5lb penalty under Conor O'Dwyer to win the La Touche Cup.
Shay Barry, victorious aboard Holy Orders earlier in the day, completed a marvellous session when scoring on John Hassett's Back On Top while Beachcomber Bay and Ian Power easily prevailed in the betfair.com Novice Chase from well backed Ground Ball (9/4-6/4f).
Thirty went to post for the finale with newcomer Blazing Liss and in-form Derek O'Connor taking the honours with favourite Theme Song (3/1-7/2-3/1f) a well beaten 6th.
The Tote turnover of E868,436 was well up on last years figure of E755,970.
