Draconien got Willie Mullins off to a flying start at this year's Punchestown Festival after springing a surprise in the Grade 1 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday.

The reigning champion trainer has significant ground to make up on rival Gordon Elliott in this year's title race, but reduced the deficit in the first Grade 1 contest of the week.

Mullins fielded four of the 10 runners and it was his 11/10 favourite Getabird who cut out much of the running in the hands Paul Townend.

However, he was a spent force from the home turn and was first claimed by Colin Tizzard's British challenger Vision Des Flos, before 25/1 shot Draconien came through under a confident Noel Fehily to claim victory by two and a quarter lengths.

Vision Des Flos was a clear second, with Elliott's Mengli Khan best of the rest in third.

Mullins said: "It looked like there was too much pace up the front for Getabird and everyone took him on up. They've all paid the penalty and Draconien came through.

"Noel got off him in Fairyhouse and said he wanted to ride him differently and on better ground and that's exactly what happened today.

"There was so much pace today, there was no pace in Fairyhouse, and that played into his hands and he jumped fantastic as well."

MULLINS DOUBLE

Mullins was on the mark again soon after when True Self (12/1) showed a smart turn of foot under Rachael Blackmore to win the valuable Killashee Handicap Hurdle.

The mare shot clear turning into the straight and despite slowing up heading to the last, soon regained momentum to beat Joey Sasa.

Mullins said: "She's a good mare and Rachael was saying the ground made a big difference. She was a very very well bought mare. She was very cheap. Rachael is a good jockey, she's not a lady jockey, she's a good jockey."

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