The 1/25 favourite Ruaille Buaille had a penalty kick that not even an under-pressure England substitute would have failed to convert in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle and Willie Mullins’ mare duly cruised home by 22 lengths.

It was a third win over hurdles for the 135-rated daughter of Salutino, and she was following up a victory at Kilbeggan last month.

Runner-up Leading Babe picked up a handy 3,700 euros for finishing second.

Winning rider Paul Townend said: “We didn’t learn a whole lot more about her. It was a grand run around for her, she had a little look in front and met the last right.

"It was ideal and a couple more like that would be nice.”

Quotes from Alan Magee