Townshend completes quick Mullins double

After taking the opener with Bleu Berry Willie Mullins quickly doubled-up in the John Kelly Beginners Chase, as his Townshend ran out an easy winner.

Sent off the 1/5 favourite, the German bred gelding was having his second start over fences. He filled the runner-up spot on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse in January.

Ridden by Patrick Mullins, the six-year-old bay was sent straight to the front, and he made all, stretching clear after the last, going on to score by nineteen lengths. Teacher's Pet finished second under Luke Dempsey for his father Philip, while The Irregular was another two lengths back in third.

"It was very straight-forward. He's not big but he's a fantastic jumper. He has an awful lot of scope for a small horse," said Patrick Mullins.

"Thanks to Rich (Ricci) for letting me ride him. Myself and Jamie (Codd) are quite tight in the championship and I think that puts me one ahead.

"I imagine he's a horse they'll have a bit of fun with in the spring festivals and he could probably even go on during the summer. He won in Perth last year so he probably handles good ground.

"He'll be a right little summer chaser."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson