Saint Sam returns to hurdling in style to give Mullins Punchestown win

Five-year-old was soon in an early advantage and it was one he would not relinquish for Paul Townend

ALL SMILES: Maureen Mullins with Saint Sam and Paul Townend after winning the Tote Proudly Sponsoring At Punchestown Hurdle. Pic: Healy Racing.

Two Cheltenham Festival heroes, a Cesarewitch winner and a Grand National runner-up lined up in the Tote Proudly Sponsoring At Punchestown Hurdle - but the race was dominated by Saint Sam.

Reverting to hurdles having been highly tried as a novice chaser last season, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old was soon in an early advantage and it was one he would not relinquish.