The seven-year-old showed their class.
State Man claimed his 10th Grade One triumph when seeing off old rival Irish Point in the Boodles Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
Irish Point gave State Man a decent work-out at Prestbury Park last month and Jack Kennedy was keen to push on at the head of affairs. To his credit, Irish Point battled on gamely all the way to the line, but 2-7 favourite State Man was always in control at that stage and ultimately obliged by two lengths.
“A few of them had run a little disappointing today and we were a bit worried going out,” said Mullins.
Punchestown Festival Paul Townend Willie Mullins
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