State Man demonstrates Champion Hurdle credentials with impressive Punchestown triumph

Trainer Willie Mullins is 'delighted' after State Man demonstrates Champion Hurdle credentials by racing clear of stablemate Sharjah to claim impressive Punchestown victory

Partnered by Paul Townend, the 4-9 favourite, raced clear of stablemate Sharjah to win by four lengths. His Champion Hurdle odds were cut to 6-1 from 9-1.

Willie Mullins was ‘delighted’ after State Man gave him a 12th career Morgiana Hurdle victory at Punchestown.

Partnered by Paul Townend, the 4-9 favourite, raced clear of stablemate Sharjah to win by four lengths. His Champion Hurdle odds were cut to 6-1 from 9-1.

‘Sharjah had been working well at home but State Man put him to bed when Paul asked him a question over the last two hurdles.

'If he’s going to go down the Champion Hurdle route he needs to be asked those questions.’