Willie Mullins recorded his 11th win of the week at Punchestown today when his Glens Melody landed the Grade 1 ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF (Mares) Hurdle, providing Mullins' retained second rider Paul Townend with his first winner of the week.

The daughter of King's Theatre eventually proved two and a quarter lengths too strong for Shadow Eile and Mullins later stated “that was a nice surprise but she's been improving all year.

“I thought she looked great in the parade ring and she seems to have got stronger since Fairyhouse. She showed a turn of foot today that I didn't think she had but I don't think she'll go chasing as she's a valuable commodity as a broodmare. The owners have a nice breeding operation and she'll be a great addition to their paddocks.”

Mullins also supplied the favourite Tarla in today's race but the Champion Trainer added “Tarla obviously ran a bit flat.”

The winner was paying a handsome complement to the ability of stablemate Annie Power (which defeated Glens Melody comprehensively at Fairyhouse).

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee