Walsh and Mullins wrap up the final Grade 1 of the Punchestown Festival - Bapaume wins the AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle: pic.twitter.com/ShIQtKtalm

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 29, 2017

BAPAUME claimed victory for Willie Mullins in the AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott badly needed Mega Fortune to deliver in the Grade 1, but he was eventually run out of the places as 2/1 favourite Bapaume scooped top honours in the hands of Ruby Walsh.

Mega Fortune, runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, was ridden forcefully by Davy Russell, but Bapaume cruised alongside rounding the home turn and kicked clear in the straight.

Landofhopeandglory emerged as his biggest threat after the final flight and got to within a length and a quarter of the winner at the line. Mega Fortune was beaten to third place by Bapaume's stablemate Meri Devie.

Walsh said: "He's a tough little horse. He probably got outstayed by Mega Fortune at Leopardstown. He jumped the last really well and stuck his head out. He's only a handy little horse but he's delivered on a very, very important day."

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 those final-day results sealed the title, the 10th time Mullins has been crowned.