Outlander on his way to victory in Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Outlander fended off the favourite Free Expression at the end of two and a half miles in the beginners' chase at Punchestown.
Bryan Cooper made his move on the bend approaching the second last. As he did, Mark Walsh appeared to snatch up on his inner on board Free Expression in third.
Outlander took over from Mr Diablo at the penultimate flight where the latter took a fall. This left Outlander (7/4) to forge on for home. Free Expression (1/1) stayed on to good effect after the last and closed to within a length and a half at the finish.
The front two pulled well clear of the remainder. Walk To Freedom came in third at 14/1, a further 14 lengths behind.
Trainer Willie Mullins said: "It was a very good race and jumping won it for him. He made one or two mistakes but he was racing the whole way, I was very impressed.
"He looked like he would get further there but he's by Stowaway and they don't appear to get three miles.
"The Drinmore will have to be looked at if he recovers in time. I was very pleased with his jumping."
The winner had to survive a stewards' enquiry but the placings remained unaltered.
This victory gave Mullins a double after Whiteout landed the previous race on the card.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference before the turn into the straight involving Free Expression, ridden by M.P. Walsh, placed second and Outlander, ridden by B.J. Cooper, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judges placings and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
