Apple's Jade put up a scintillating display to win the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Gordon Elliott had dropped his special mare down to two miles for the first time since November 2016, when she was beaten at Down Royal, but the shorter distance did not make a difference in the slightest.

Three out of three so far this season, winning by a minimum of 11 lengths, Apple's Jade was sent off the 8-11 favourite and Jack Kennedy was keen to get her customary role at the head of affairs.

While Supasundae, Petit Mouchoir and Melon were able to track her comfortably approaching the second last, when Kennedy asked the mare to quicken, the race was effectively over.

She sprinted 16 lengths clear in the straight, with Supasundae putting up a gallant defence of his crown in second for Jessica Harrington, but he had no answer to Apple's Jade.

Petit Mouchoir stuck on for third with Melon, who made a mistake at the wrong time, disappointing in fourth. 

Earlier, Commander Of Fleet relished the step up in trip and fended off Rhinestone to win the Grade One Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors 50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff Novice Hurdle.

Dropped down to two miles last time out for the Royal Bond, Elliott's charge finished last of the four runners.

However, with six furlongs further to travel, and with the last flight omitted because of low sun, he travelled well in the hands of Kennedy.

Turning into the straight, Willie Mullins' Dorrells Pierji was in front with Rhinestone in between him and the eventual winner.

As Mullins' runner dropped away, the other two served up a real treat but it was the Gigginstown-owned runner, who drifted out to 13-2, who prevailed by half a length.

Mullins' Relegate, the Champion Bumper winner, was backed into 4-1 favourite and and one stage looked like tailing off under Ruby Walsh before she stayed on strongly to finish just out of the places.

The winner was cut to 10-1 from 20s for the Albert Bartlett by Betfair.