Champion Trainer Willie Mullins made it nine winners from his last 13 runners when his Raptor landed the Punchestown For Value Beginners Chase at Punchestown today.

Ridden by Paul Townend, Raptor moved to the front before the final fence, staying on well to defeat Cadogan by three and three parts of a length.

Afterwards Mullins said “Raptor disappointed the last day at Wexford but made a couple of bad mistakes. I think it just might have been the lack of a run too.

“He is a fantastic jumper and is very brave. I would have no trouble going longer - to me he is a three mile chaser. However, if the right race came up, the way he jumps I wouldn’t be afraid to go back in trip.”

Raptor subsequently received a 33/1 quote from Stan James Bookmakers for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.