Champion Trainer Willie Mullins got off the mark of 2016 when his Cheltenham Festival possible Sambremont landed the Irish Racing Year Book Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by stable jockey Ruby Walsh, Sambremont made all for an easy 16 lengths win over Mydor .

The win was Mullins' 15th, from 47 runs, since St Stehpen's Day and following the win stated “he jumped fantastically. He'll probably have to go up in grade now and if he does he'll probably go up in trip as well.

“He'll get an entry in the four-miler (at Cheltenham) and we'll see what he does between now and then.

"He was very surefooted there and I think four miles will be no problem to him. We'll try and get another run into him (before Cheltenham).”

Sambremont is a full-brother to Djakadam and jockey Ruby Walsh, on his way back into the weighroom, added "he jumps like his brother."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson