Punchestown charge means Willie Mullins retains Irish jumps championship

Willie Mullins will officially be crowned Ireland's champion jumps trainer for a 12th time on Saturday after his placed finishers in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle gave him an unassailable lead in this year's thrilling title race.

Mullins started the Festival €521,413 behind his big rival Gordon Elliott, but trebles on Tuesday and Thursday and a remarkable six-timer on Wednesday saw him head into the penultimate day with a lead of €424,148.