Rivalry between top two trainers drove the season's narrative
Alan Sweetman on a campaign defined by an epic title battle
Last week's Punchestown festival provided a dramatic conclusion to perhaps the most remarkable Irish jumps season of the modern era.
A thrilling final five days revolved around the top two trainers, Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. Their absorbing battle for the trainers' championship became the season's defining narrative from the moment last September when a split between Mullins and Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud paved the way for potential change at the top.
Heading to Punchestown last Tuesday with a prize-money lead of almost €400,000, Elliott was a short-priced favourite to depose Mullins, champion in every season since 2007-08.
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