Mountain shines in Champion Novice

Blackstairmountain led home a Willie Mullins one-two in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Paul Townend gave the 5/1 shot a confident ride and hit the front heading to the final flight.

The gelding kept on strongly to record a cosy two-and-a-half length win over stable-mate Flat Out who just held on for second from Sweeps Hill

2/1 favourite General Miller could only finish fourth after coming off the bridle before the third last.

"He had a very hard race in Fairyhouse and didn't particularly shine on the gallops during the week," revealed Mullins of the winner.

"It just shows the difference the ground makes to him - he loves the better ground.

"We'll try and win a few races on the Flat with him and he'll stick to hurdling next season.

"We'll see how far he can go. Hopefully he can make into a decent hurdler. I've always thought a fair bit of him."