Labaik refuses to start as Mullins closes the gap

Champion trainer Willie Mullins substantially reduced Gordon Elliott's lead in the race for the Irish National Hunt trainers' championship on the opening day of the final action of the season at Punchestown.

Elliott's opening day Cheltenham winner Labaik refused to start on this occasion in the Herald Champion Novices' Hurdle with the Mullins-trained Cilaos Emery winning by a length from stablemate Melon.

'I'm under no illusions, but it's a great start,' said Mullins in reference to the championship.

Elliott had to wait until the last race on the card, a modest event in proizemoney terms, but still important, as he ended a frustrating day when newcomer Roaring Bull won the bumper.

Prior to racing Elliott had a lead of €402,405 in the race for the title.

Mullins added €155,000 to his tally while the Meath trainer accumulated a more modest €17, 615.

That reduced the advantage to €265,020 with four days of the season remaining with the final day on Saturday.