Willie Mullins hails Paul Townend for rising to the challenge of replacing Ruby Walsh 

Ireland's perennial champion trainer is pondering a crack at the British crown 

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: High Class Hero and Paul Townend win the Rathsallagh Country House Novice Hurdle (Listed)

Annually, at this time of year, a section of the press descends upon Willie Mullins’ yard in what is perceived as a preview of the National Hunt season. In the current climate, of course, it’s an inaccurate billing as the briefest of hiatuses at the end of the Punchestown festival is all that separates one season from the next.

It is a 12-month business and has been for quite some time but now, more than ever, Mullins appreciates that.