The Willie Mullins juggernaut rolls and the Champion Trainer made it eight winners from his last 11 runners (and also two seconds) when his Scotsirish stamped his class to win the New Banks Course Risk Of Thunder Chase at Punchestown today.

Rated 154 over fences, Scotsirish, under Patrick Mullins was the star-turn in a race which also featured smart hurdler Footy Facts The winner had the measure of Footy Facts when that rival blundered away any chance at the final fence, before recovering somewhat to finish fourth. At the line Scotsirish had 14 lengths to spare over Tally Em Up

Afterwards Mullins Snr stated “we’ve been surprised at home how well Scotsirish took to those fences and we’ve to thank Ted Walsh for the use of his bank for both Scotsirish and Uncle Junior to practise.

“Scotsirish didn’t even jump as well today as he has at home and while it’s been hard work trying to win with him over the last two years, it’s now good to have another avenue with him. Cheltenham is on his agenda and we might mix it with him. There is a good programme in France for him and there are a selection there which I have my eye on.”