Mullins doubles up in opening races at Clonmel

Stable jockey Paul Townend was on K’chou Du Pecos Aa (100/30) but Danny Mullins brought up a Clonmel double for his uncle Willie on Vis Ta Loi (5/1 into 3/1 favourite) in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

In the Hurricane Fly silks of the Creighton family, Mullins dictated from the front on the French import, coming off a 590 day absence.

Several held chances going to two out but Vis Ta Loi fended them all off to defeat Arahecan and Braeside by two and three parts of a length and a length and three parts.

Willie Mullins took the opener on Powerstown Park’s feature programme of the year, with Kalanisi Og under his son Patrick.

Meanwhile the aforementioned K’chou Du Pecos Aa had to settle for sixth place.

This was a poignant success as George Creighton passed away in September.

"Vis Ta Loi is a horse who hides his light under a bushel, but the only thing we did know coming here was that he was a brilliant jumper. I said to Danny don't be afraid to make the running," said Willie Mullins.

"He is a chaser in the making and we've been disappointed with him at home but when we started schooling him we saw he had ability.

"He had some small problem last year and I didn't want to go and win a novice late in the season and wanted to keep him a novice for this year.

"He'll be lovely for this year but the sooner we get to fences the better.

"We didn't know between my two runners today and the other horse (K'chou Du Pecos Aa) would probably be better than him at home but this fellow's jumping was way better. K'chou Du Pecos Aa was keen in behind and I'd imagine both horses will want a trip in the future."

(TW & EM)