Kempes completes Mullins hat-trick

Kempes completed a clean sweep of Grade Ones for Willie Mullins on day one of the Punchestown festival when claiming the Growise Champion Novice Chase.

Tony McCoy took the mount for boss JP McManus and travelled sweetly to lead at the second last

He soon asserted from China Rock and kept on strongly from the last to score by three-lengths.

"I'm delighted with that. I was very disappointed with him at Fairyhouse when he pulled up in the Powers Gold Cup," said Mullins.

"I thought he had a right chance then but I think the heavy ground just killed him. Tony said he was a lot happier on this ground.

"The fact that he won over three miles opens up the whole thing. He could do anything he wants now. He has plenty of pace for shorter but the pace over three miles suits his jumping.

"Probably the better ground is the key to him. We'll look forward to good ground races."

Mullins was delighted with the 779/1 treble:- "It's brilliant. After last year I didn't think we could do anything like that. It's a pleasant surprise and I hope it lasts!"