The odds on Willie Mullins retaining his title and becoming champion trainer for the 12th time now vary between 1/8 and 1/12 after his near complete domination of proceedings at Punchestown on Wednesday.

Gordon Elliott is a best-priced 11/2 to gain his first championship and he trails the Closutton maestro by 48,161 Euros heading into Thursday's action.

The ground at Punchestown is now yielding to soft following 3mm of rain overnight. There's a fresh hurdle and chase track today. It's forecast to be mainly dry today and tomorrow with passing showers likely.