The Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle is the main event on day three of the Punchestown Festival.

Willie Mullins has saddled a record seven previous winners of this three-mile contest, with the brilliant mare Quevega landing four consecutive renewals between 2010 and 2013.

Faugheen brought the house down when bouncing back to form for Mullins last season and while he will not be defending his crown, the champion trainer is responsible for 10 of the 21 remaining entries for this year’s renewal.

Possible Closutton contenders include Footpad, Melon and high-class mares Benie Des Dieux and Laurina.

Gordon Elliott’s star mare Apple’s Jade also stood her ground, while Harry Fry’s Unowhatimeanharry, Colin Tizzard’s Vision Des Flos and the Dan Skelton-trained Aux Ptits Soins could all travel from Britain.

The latter was last seen winning a competitive handicap at Aintree’s Grand National meeting and Skelton is keen to send the grey to Punchestown.

He said: “Aux Ptits Soins will run in the Stayers Hurdle. He worked nicely this morning under Bridget Andrews, who rides him every day, and duly gives me a running commentary how he is.

“As long as Bridget is happy then we are happy.”

Arkle Trophy hero Duc Des Genievres is the headline attraction in the Ryanair Novice Chase.

He is part of a formidable Mullins squad that also features the exciting Chacun Pour Soi and last Sunday’s Ryanair Gold Cup hero Voix Du Reve.

The potential opposition includes the Philip Hobbs-trained Cheltenham Festival hero Defi Du Seuil and Henry de Bromhead’s pair of Aintree winners Moon Over Germany and Ornua.