Ballyburn justified his huge reputation when powering to victory for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old was heralded as an Irish banker after previously slamming Supreme scorer Slade Steel by seven lengths at Leopardstown last time and duly lived up to the hype.

He was sent off as the 1-2 favourite and his backers never had a moment’s worry, as Townend enjoyed an armchair ride before kicking clear between the final two flights.

Closutton stablemates Jimmy Du Seuil and Ile Atlantique were 13 lengths and a further three and a half lengths back in second and third. Just for good measure Mullins was also responsible for Mercurey (fourth) and Predators Gold (fifth).

“It’s the first time he’s wowed me, I thought ‘wow, what a performance’ and to me that was a Champion Hurdle performance,” said Mullins.

“It was really, really spectacular. With his size, scope and pedigree our owners might decide to go chasing with him next year, I don’t know. But with that performance, he can go anywhere.

“Our team are in flying form, but we are just so sorry for Nicky Henderson that he has had to pull his good horses out. It could be us, so our sympathies go to him.”

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