5 for Mullins as Briar Hill wins the bumper

Briar Hill (25/1) gave Willie Mullins his eighth win in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with a taking success.

Sent off at 25/1 despite being ridden by Ruby Walsh, the five-year-old was off the bridle earlier than some but moved into the lead under a sweeping move turning for home, from which point he never looked likely to be beaten.

Regal Encore (7/1jf) ran on well under AP McCoy to take second ahead of Golantilla (9/1), the latter having caught the eye travelling powerfully at the top of the hill before weakening late on.

The Liquidator flew home for a never-nearer fourth, just failing to snatch third from Tony Martin's horse.

Walsh said: "I got a bad break and got knocked down, but it worked out. "When I gave him a smack he took off - he was very impressive.

"He's no 'flash harry' at home but you don't mind when they do it on a racecourse.

"It was a bit of a surprise but a nice surprise. It looked a strong enough race on paper, and he's somewhere related to Boston Bob and we have always classed him as a chaser down the line rather than a bumper horse.

"I think all the championship races here are won by good horses."

Briar Hill is likely to be campaign as a staying hurdler next season.

Mullins, who had three runners in the race, added: "I thought I had a chance, but I didn't think it would be with this one.

"If you rated the three horses, he would probably have been bottom of them all, so it's a nice surprise.

"We'll think about Punchestown. He'll go down the novice hurdling route and I see him being an Albert Bartlett horse."

Regal Encore's trainer Anthony Honeyball said with a smile: "I'm pleased for Ruby and Willie - they really needed it.

"I'm delighted with the run but he's still a bit keen and needs to be held up.

"Hopefully in time we'll be able to ride him a bit further up with the pace."