Mullins and Townend at double with Sharjah

French-import Sharjah made it two from two in Ireland when using his finishing kick to good effect in the Join Gowran Park Racing Club Novice Hurdle.

He gave Willie Mullins and Paul Townend a double as the pair combined with Carter Mckay in the preceding race.

He disputed the lead in the early stages with Roaring Bull as the five-runner field went a very sedate pace.

The four-year-old gelding was soon settled in third by Paul Townend before mounting his challenge after two out.

The pair grabbed a narrow lead at the last from Roaring Bull on the inner and Sahdy Operator in the middle.

Roaring Bull pecked upon landing which ended his challenge as Sharjah finished well to put four lengths on Shady Operator (15/8).

Sharjah was a market drifter from 5/4 to 13/8 but still retained the favourite tag.

Willie Mullins said: "I thought Paul (Townend) was very good technically and tactically on both horses (Carter McKay also) and it was a good performance from him (Sharjah).

"Obviously nobody wanted to make the running but Paul certainly didn't want to and thought he could use his speed to beat them.

"It worked out well and he got the jump at the last when he needed it.

"He'll have no trouble going further and we'll take those novice races as they come and see where he fits in."

Paul Townend said: "There wasn't anyone to go at the start but once we got going I was happy to take a lead. He has quickened up smartly and he was good and brave at the last.

"It's very heavy - I snuck over last night and had a walk around it!

"The race was probably run to suit me more than them (Shady Operator and Roaring Bull). It was a fair performance to beat them."

Paddy Power cut Sharjah from 20/1 to 16/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes