Anzadam adds extra fire power for Willie Mullins

The four-year-old son of Authorized had won both of his races in France before being switched to the Closutton maestro but had been sidelined for 411 days prior to this return to action.

However, under a patient ride by Paul Townend, Anzadam travelled strongly throughout and cruised into contention at the penultimate flight.

A slightly awkward jump at the last could not stop well-backed 5-2 chance Anzadam from sprinting clear on the run-in to see off 6-4 favourite Kala Conti by six and a half lengths.

Townend said: “Obviously he wears the hood and was keen in France, so I was anxious to get him to settle first, but he actually settled brilliantly.

“He’s been forward at home, but he did everything really well. I wasn’t going to light him up, I let them come around me down the bottom.

“When I pulled him out, he flew and it took a long time to pull him up.”

Betfair and Paddy Power introduced the winner into their Champion Hurdle market at 40-1, but owners Joe and Marie Donnelly also have State Man and Fighting Fifth winner Sir Gino in their colours.

British raiders Dodger Long and Givemefive were no match for the first two but ran respectably to finish third and fourth respectively.