Bapaume claimed a victory for Willie Mullins in the AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown that finally and conclusively saw the trainer confirmed as champion for the 12th time.
AES Champion Four Your Old Hurdle (Grade One)
Race Result
1st Bapaume (2/1 Fav)
2nd Landofhopeandglory (4/1)
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Race Report
Bapaume claimed a victory for Willie Mullins in the AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown that finally and conclusively saw the trainer confirmed as champion for the 11th consecutive season.
Gordon Elliott badly needed Mega Fortune to deliver in the Grade One, but he was eventually run out of the places as 2/1 favourite Bapaume claimed top honours in the hands of Ruby Walsh.
Mega Fortune, runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, was ridden forcefully by Davy Russell, but Bapaume cruised alongside rounding the home turn and kicked clear in the straight.
Landofhopeandglory eventually emerged as his biggest threat after the final flight and got to within a length and a quarter of the winner at the line.
Mega Fortune was beaten to third place by the winner's stablemate Meri Devie.
Reaction
Ruby Walsh: He's a tough little horse. He probably got outstayed by Mega Fortune at Leopardstown in January.
He jumped the last really well and stuck his head out. He's only a handy little horse but he's delivered on a very very important day.
