Mullins in striking distance

A thrilling front-running performance from Great Field helped put Willie Mullins within relative striking distance of Gordon Elliott in the battle for the Irish trainers’ championship after day three of the Punchestown Festival.

Mullins had started the afternoon €276,780 behind his big rival and ended the evening on €126,830.

Reflecting the pattern on the day, Paddy Power eased Elliott to 4-6 favourite from 4-7 to claim a first championship, while trimming Mullins to 11-10 from 5-4.