Following a number of expensive reverses, favourite backers finally got it right when Ballyhaunis took the Clonoulty Hurdle.

The well-backed 5/4 market leader and Wilde Wit Pleasure settled down to battle it out when going clear between the final two flights.

Paul Townend 's mount just touched down in front after pinging the last, and the Daylami gelding stayed on well to ultimately win a shade cosily by a length and a quarter.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “He got a terrific ride from Paul and he really got a great jump out of him at the last. We'll probably keep it low key and go for a winners of two next. I'd say we'll avoid Graded races like the Royal Bond and the Barry & Sandra Kelly at Navan for the time being.”