Former Cheltenham Bumper winner Cousin Vinny (8/11f) bounced back from a 671 day absence with a classy display to win the opening Festival Free Upgrade Offer Ends Today Hurdle at Punchestown today.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the nine year old gelding travelled well on his comeback run but Won In The Dark a dual Grade 1 winner, arrived to lead from two out and quickly went clear.

However, to Cousin Vinny’s credit, he responded well and hit the front at the final flight. A blunder at the obstacle almost proved disastrous but Walsh sat tight and crucially kept the pair on an even keel, before recording a three and a quarter lengths win over Won In The Dark.

Afterwards winning trainer Willie Mullins said “he showed his class when he straightened up going to the last and had a change of gear. I was amazed at the speed he showed and how he has retained it is extraordinary.

“We’ll find another conditions race for him now, something similar, and will be aimed more towards the Punchestown Festival.”