No mercy from magic Min as he returns in style with 36-length rout for Mullins

Relief and happiness to get this test out of the way would have been the primary emotions for Willie Mullins after Min made his long-awaited reappearance an uncomplicated one, as he dominated two inferior rivals in the feature 2m4f conditions chase.

It wasn't much of a test. Under Paul Townend, Min dominated almost from the off, was keen, fresh and anxious to get on with it, and hardly touched a twig as he registered a 36-length victory over Flaxen Flare. Not quite of Bristol De Mai proportions, but for future reference at least of equal significance.

"That was a tremendous return on that ground and over the trip," said Mullins. "I thought his jumping was good. He was very fresh and well and I loved the way he put himself right at his fences.