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Willie Mullins’ day got even better when Impaire Et Passe proved all class en-route to landing the Grade 2 bet365 Select Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Having survived a lengthy and somewhat controversial stewards' enquiry to win the Aintree Hurdle in Merseyside a few weeks ago, Willie Mullins' Impaire Et Passe endured no such drama when confirming his superiority over Langer Dan in the Grade 2 bet365 Select Hurdle at Sandown.

The Simon and Isaac Souede-owned contender was sent off the well-backed 4/5 favourite to confirm placings with Dan Skelton's charge and the result never really looked in doubt, as a confident-looking Paul Townend cruised alongside stablemate and eventual third Sir Gerhard, before quickening on past for a commanding two and a quarter-length triumph over old rival Langer Dan, who stayed on best of the rest back in second.

"He went to sleep, and I was just hoping he'd come alive for me," said the winning jockey, Paul Townend.

"Thankfully, he did. He's still improving and he's not flashy at home, he keeps it for the track but that's where you need it the most."

Fresh off a high from being crowned champion trainer, a delighted Willie Mullins added: "That's probably him for the season now and I'd imagine we'll go novice chasing next year."

"He's back to himself and that was a good performance. I was going to go chasing with him this year, but Simon and Isaac (Souede) were happy to stay hurdling and it paid off."

Paddy Power cut the winner to 10/1 (from 14s) for the Arkle Novices' Chase at Cheltenham next season but with Mullins keen to point out the trip as being a key turning point in Impaire Et Passes' campaign, it remains to be seen what direction he will head in over fences next year.

"I'd say the trip has been a big help for him this year," concluded Mullins.

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