Paul Townend produced Scholars Mate with a perfectly-timed run to claim the Billecart-Salmon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding came with a strong charge to lead on the run-in and score by a length from Captain Cole

"I thought we were too far out of it and he didn't jump the third last," revealed Mullins.

"He probably needs two-and-a-half miles and we'll step him up in trip. He's the one and only Shernazar I've seen go on that ground.

"I had ideas of going chasing with him but we'll shelve that and find a 2m4f or 2m6f hurdle for him. He's relishes a test of stamina."

Townend, who received a heavy fall in the previous contest when City Of Doral was brought down, was stood down for the rest of the day after the victory.

He was suffering from a soft tissue injury on his thigh.