As Hardy Eustace enters his 13th year, the end of his career can surely not be far away after he was beaten 13 lengths into second by Footy Facts in the Kathleen Clarke 80th Birthday Hurdle at Punchestown.

Dessie Hughes had been making bullish noises about the dual champion hurdler but unfortunately, despite his enthusiasm not being in doubt, his powers look to be on the wane.

To be fair, even in his heyday he would have not enjoyed the very testing conditions, unlike the Robert Tyner-trained winner who relished them. Willie Mullins' Glencove Marina was just behind Hardy Eustace in third.

"That worked well. We thought Hardy Eustace was going to make it and we were going to take him on about three out but we got a grand lead in the end.

"He picked up really well and Philip (Enright) said that's the best he's felt in a long time.

"This was just a stepping stone and our aim is the Thyestes Chase in Gowran Park at the end of January."

Another one heading for the Thyestes is Mullins' Beroni who skipped the Welsh National to take advantage of a lenient hurdles mark in the Buy Your Tickets On Line Handicap Hurdle.

Paul Townend made every yard of the running and put his stamina to good use for a four and a half length win.

"We were happy with that. I suppose he just outstayed them there," said Mullins.

"We'll have a look at the Thyestes now, I'll see if we can find something else but I'd say we'll go for the Thyestes."

Townend had earlier won on The Dew At Night for Charles Brynes and the trainer doubled up himself when Pittoni came from a mile back to beat the Robbie Hennessy-trained pair of Soldier Bay and Time Machine