The British raiding party struck early at this years festival as the Mike Smith-trained Buy Some Time led close home to win the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.

It was a day to remember for the Smith family, as the winner was also part-owned by them as well as being ridden by the trainer's son, Ben.

Held up towards rear of the big field, Smith junior smuggled the seven-year-old into the race from three out.

Mid division entering the straight, the gelding went fifth at the final flight. Ridden to lead on the run-in, Buy Some Time came through to lead over 100 yards out, staying on to score by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

Despite returning to form when second at Ayr last month, the visitor was returned at 50/1.

Mike Smith said: “Ben had to torture himself to get down to do the weight and he was spot on.

“Is there anything better than a day like today at the Punchestown Festival and your son winning like that. It doesn’t come any better than that.

“I used to ride in point-to-points against Ronnie (Bartlett, sponsor) years ago. We had some fun doing it and there are some stories to tell.

“When he jumped the second last I thought we can finish in the first four and then he just galloped away.

“In the last seven or eight days I’ve had a National Hunt winner in Perth, a point-to-point for the wee fella that works in the yard, a Flat winner at Ayr and then flew over here.

“They all tell you that you can’t beat the Irish and Willie comes over and beats us all, but it doesn’t always happen that way. You have to be brave to take the risk and throw the darts!”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.