JASMIN De Vaux provided another reminder that no Willie Mullins runner should be underestimated – be it hurdle debutant Poniros, 10-month absentee Jimmy Du Seuil, outsider Lecky Watson – or in this case, a horse who had been jumping badly.

Mullins explained that they had done “a lot of schooling” with Jasmin de Vaux ahead of the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and perhaps whispers of this contributed to the support that saw Paul Townend’s mount sent off 6/1. Produced wide to challenge on the turn for home, the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned bay was pushed along to lead before the final flight, as 9/2 favourite The Big Westerner was ridden alongside.

The pair jumped the last upsides, but Jasmin De Vaux proved strongest on the run-in, staying on to score by two and a half lengths. The Lucinda Russell-trained Derryhassen Paddy finished another four and a half lengths back in third.

"He jumped the last two well when he wanted him to,” Mullins later commented. “We know he has an engine, it is just about getting him from A to B. Going that bit slower over a trip has made a difference. He might even jump fences better than hurdles, but we will see, however he will probably go novice chasing next season.

“Most of those Champion Bumper winners turn out to be stayers. He had the pedigree and class so we felt it was worth going for this longer trip. It did surprise me how well he was travelling.”

Winning rider Paul Townend added: “This lad takes a bit of warming up, he’s not the most straightforward, but he’s a classy individual. He showed that here last year – that was a huge pick from Patrick and I said, ‘If he picked him last year, I couldn’t leave him behind this year’.

“I think a lot of it is just confidence with him and just getting into a rhythm – I thought there would be plenty go forward – and ride him for class.”

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of the runner-up The Big Westerner, reported: “We’re delighted with her; she ran a blinder. She just got into a little bit of trouble at the second-last, but ran really well. I very much hope she’s a chaser in the making.”