Roi Des Francs reigns supreme for Willie Mullins

Roi Des Francs gave Willie Mullins a third successive win (and a fourth in five years) in the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes Benz Novice Hurdle in Clonmel yesterday, the centrepiece of another treble for the champion trainer.

Mullins, who included two Grade 1 successes in a trio of victories in Leopardstown on Sunday, also struck with Argentino and a back-to-form Turban.

Winner of his maiden hurdle in Thurles on his first outing for his current handler, Roi Des Francs edged ahead before the straight and produced fluent leaps at the final two flights to seal victory by two and a quarter lengths, after the challenging Fine Article fluffed the last flight when holding every chance.