BACARDYS wore down stable companion Bunk Off Early to emerge victorious in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins saddled six of the 10 runners in a bid to win the two-and-a-quarter-mile contest for the fifth successive year, with stable jockey Ruby Walsh siding with Future Champions Novice Hurdle winner Saturnas, who was the heavily backed 5/4 favourite.