Daddy Long Legs impresses from the front

Paul Townend and Willie Mullins completed a quick Grade 3 double at Tipperary as Daddy Long Legs returned to form with a runaway success in the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle.

Townend ensured the two-mile event was run at a good pace from flagfall and his mount took command early in the straight.

The evens favourite drew well clear before the final flight and cruised home on the run-in for an easy 12 lengths verdict. Smooth Tom kept on one paced to get the better of Winter Fog for the runner-up spot.

Mullins’ assistant David Casey said, “Galway was a non-event as he was sideways at the start, so we just put a line through that, and I know he disappointed here earlier in the year but that was his first run since Punchestown.

“The flat track and quick ground (officially good to yielding) suited him well. I’d say it’s on the fast side of good.

“The fact that he won like he did is telling me it’s definitely dry. They aren’t making a print on the ground after jumping the last.

“That’s the kind of territory that he’s in and it’s good to get it. It’s either races like that or topweight in handicaps.”

Townend and Mullins also successfully teamed up earlier with Gaucher