"He's reasonably well handicapped," said Ruby Walsh of Tennis Cap in this morning's Irish Examiner and that assessment proved on the button as the 3/1 favourite landed the BESS Ball 16th Of February Handicap Hurdle at Naas.

Completing a double for Willie Mullins after Un Atout s victory in the previous race, Mrs Violet O'Leary's Tennis Cap bounced back from a disappointing Leopardstown effort.

He made all and had all his rivals on the stretch from two out, eventually coming home a five and a half length winner from Beneficial Spirit

Mullins explained: "I don't know whether we got it right or the horse is coming to himself. We decided to ride him more positively and it seemed to work.

"He's been a bit exasperating. He keeps promising but today is the first time he's delivered. At least today he showed on the track what he does at home.

"We took a chance running him here rather that the Boylesports Hurdle. I didn't think he'd get in but he'll get in now.

"It's not normally something I'd do but I might have a look at it as it's a big prize." (GC & EM)