Mount Benbulben gave Danny Mullins a special 21st birthday present when landing the Grade 1 Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Putting it together in the jumping department in a spectacular way, Mount Benbulben bolted-up by twenty two lengths from Tofino Bay .

Dedigout fell early, bringing down Harry Topper whilst Boston Bob had got into the contest to some extent before exiting at the third last.

Winning owner Barry Connell said: "Danny has been a big help to me since he started riding for me. It's brilliant to get a Grade 1 together.

"I think the fact that the horse didn't go to Cheltenham meant he was a fresher horse coming here.

"They went a stride slower in the three mile race and he was able to get into a rhythm and jump.

"Hopefully next year now he'll be there in all the three mile races and he'll be competitive.

"He's learning all the time."

Successful trainer Gordon Elliott revealed: "We always knew he was a good horse. His jumping just had to come together.

"Danny's done a great job and he's been down to Con Powers to school as well.

He's done a great job with him.

"So have all the lads in the yard.

"He has a serious engine, we just had to get him jumping and I'm delighted with that.

"He'll be put in a field now and we'll see what happens.

"We'll chat with Barry and we'll enjoy today. He's a horse that has to go right-handed." (GC & EM)