The champion trainer and jockey, Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, teamed up to take the Poolcourt Rated Hurdle in fine style with Authorized Art at Wexford.

The seven-year-old gelding won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in 2019 but was sidelined for two years before returning to action last term.

The easy-to-back 9/2 shot was fitted with cheek-pieces for the first time and cruised to the front early in the straight before striding clear for an easy win.

The winning margin of just short of five lengths didn’t emphasise his superiority over Ambitious Fellow with Francois staying on just a nose further away in third.

Townend said, “He left a few disappointing runs behind him and the cheekpieces helped.

“The way he jumps he'll have no problem jumping a fence and I wouldn't be surprised if you saw him over them sooner rather than later.

“The win will do his confidence the world of good. The ground is definitely a help as well.”

(GC & AM)