Naas brace for Mullins and Townend Aione completed a Naas double for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with an odds-on success in the Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle. The champion trainer and jockey were on the mark earlier with Cut The Mustard in the featured Opera Hat Mares Chase and here the Closutton maestro was taken on by his nephew Emmet with Russian Diamond. The money came for the latter (9/4 — 5/2 — 13/8) as Aione eased to a starting price of 10/11. Neither was without flaw in the jumping department. Russian Diamond wasn’t fluent at the last and the always at the head of affairs Aione went on for a two and a half length win. "I think the conditions of the race suited and the two-mile-and-three trip. We were lucky enough to make use of that,” said Mullins. “Today he looked like he wanted fences straight away. We'll see where we go between here and novice chasing next year. “I'd imagine he'll go for the final of this at Punchestown, that's what he'll be aimed for. The trip and going right-handed there will suit him. “I wouldn't say he would go to Cheltenham as this final would look an easier option for him.” (GC & EM)
