The feature event at Limerick today, the Grade 3 Liberty Insurance Novice Hurdle, was a race of some merit with victory going to unbeaten 8/13 favourite Faugheen for trainer Willie Mullins and his nephew jockey Emmet Mullins.

The winner, who was providing jockey Mullins with his second winner of the Festival, was sketchy at some of his hurdles but in the end was far too strong for his six rivals, beating Azorian by five lengths.

Mullins Senior was at Leopardstown, but his son Patrick Mullins later stated “he didn't jump well and perhaps it was because he was in front with no lead. However I think it was an awesome performance as he was keen and didn't jump and still won. He can go anywhere we like next and it's great for Emmet who is king of Limerick!”

Willie Mullins said from Leopardstown: "He looked fantastic and never came off the bridle. He had some decent horses beaten with half a mile to run. I wouldn't normally run him in a race like this at this stage of his career, but there are so few races around or maybe because we have so many horses! We took a chance in it."

By Thomas Weekes