Jimmy Du Seuil less than fluent at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Jimmy Du Seuil (2/9f) wasn't unduly troubled in bringing up a Clonmel treble for Willie Mullins with a wide-margin success in the Monroe Maiden Hurdle.
He eased back to the front approaching the final quarter of a mile and increased the margin over Answering two out. He was clear for Paul Townend (riding a double on the day) at the final obstacle and, although not foot perfect, sauntered in by nine lengths from the toiling runner-up (18/1). Pirate Island (12/1) gave his backers an each-way return in third.
Mullins' other winners on the card were Implicit (4/1) and 2/5 favourite Quai De Bourbon (ridden by Townend).
Townend said: "He had a nice run the first day and did the horse that beat him (stablemate Asian Master) no harm. That winner jumped well in Thurles and is a smart horse, so this horse was entitled to do that today.
"I didn't want to light him up early, and he missed a couple of hurdles, but jumped well in the middle of the race and I took the safety option at the last.
"I think when he gets competitive, will jump much better."
Regarding Enola his beaten-favourite in second in the previous race, he added: "She was very disappointing from the final bend to home. She found nothing to be honest and stopped too quickly."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
