Linden Arden was another odds-on winner for Willie Mullins as he made all under Brian Hayes in the SBK At Punchestown Maiden Hurdle.

Beaten at 10/11 on stable debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, the 8/11 favourite made no mistake this time. Having pushed his mount clear before the last, Hayes could afford to steady the six-year-old into that final flight before going on to account for Pirate Island by four and three quarter lengths.

Owned and bred by John Bowe, Linden Arden is out of wonderful racemare Solerina, the winner of 22 of her 40 starts.

Patrick Mullins remarked: “He relaxed much better today and it’s great to get a winner for the Bowes and out of Solerina.

“I think fences will be the making of him and we’ll be looking forward to going chasing with him next year.”

Quotes from Alan Magee