King Rasko Grey was all out in the Alanna Homes Champion Hurdle at Punchestown as he added the Grade 1 prize to his Cheltenham success, giving Willie Mullins a treble on the day.

The Turners Novice Hurdle winner went to post 8/13 favourite in the two-and-a-half mile contest and tracked stablemate Kiely’s Place for most of the trip.

Paul Townend sent his mount up to challenge over the second last and he kicked on turning for home.

The Galiway gelding was strongly pressed in the closing stages as English raider Lord Byron finished off with gusto, getting within a head at the line.

Townend said afterwards:- “I would have been disgusted if I had got mugged.

“If Harry (Cobden) had come to me earlier I think he would have just pushed me on down the track.

“He’s a talented horse but just still physically and mentally immature. He’s still developing.

“He’s a big horse and he doesn’t get the credit for the size of him, I think.

“I don’t want to say fences too much because he’d end up hurdling then but I’d love to ride him over a fence.”

Assistant trainer David Casey added:- “It was great. I was a bit worried when they were going so slow because he stays well.

“It was a bit of a dash down the straight and he pulled up a bit in front, he was waiting for the horses behind him.

“He’s a good horse and I think chasing will really suit him, he’s a made chaser.

“It’s great to get the win today and we’ll look forward to next season with him.”