There was a Willie Mullins one two in the Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle at Punchestown as Buildmeupbuttercup held off Elimay by a nose.

When the Paul Townend-ridden Buildmeupbuttercup headed Elimay on the run-in it looked like she’d win by further.

However the John Turner-owned Sixties Icon mare doesn’t always do much in front and in the end she just held on from her rallying stable companion.

“Fitness probably just won it on the day. Paul had to go when he did but he’d prefer to wait longer. She stuck her head out on the line,” said Mullins.

“It’s good to know she can stay that sort of trip on this ground. She’s had a busy season and I’ll have to have a think about where she goes next. I don’t want to run her again soon.

“Elimay will mix it over fences and hurdles. It was hard to take it up so far out having her first run of the season but she was very unlucky.”

(AM & EM)