WILLIE Mullins was officially crowned champion jumps trainer following a compelling duel with Gordon Elliott.

The perennial champion appeared to have a mountain to climb at the start of the Punchestown Festival as he trailed Elliott by a shade over €400,000.

But having gradually reduced the deficit, Mullins hit the front with a sparkling treble on Friday.

And though Apple's Jade's victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Champion Hurdle gave Elliott brief hope, Mullins effectively sealed the title when Bapaume landed the AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle.