Bishopsfurze justified his short price in the novice hurdle at Thurles with a comfortable success under Paul Townend.

The 11/10f took it up turning for home in the 2m6f event and was always in control despite a couple of sloppy leaps at the final two flights.

He only needed to be shaken up on the run-in to record an eight-length success over Start Me Up

Willie Mullins' charge had been unlucky at Naas last time when badly hampered but had previously looked classy with a hurdle win at Cork and a Punchestown bumper success.

"I think going right handed suited a bit better today. The extra trip and slow pace helped as well," said Mullins afterwards.

"He enjoyed himself from the start today and hopefully a performance like that will help his jumping and give him a bit of confidence.

"We'll keep him to races down the country and over longer trips."

Cheltenham is unlikely to feature on his agenda this season:-

"He might get an entry but unless we see huge improvement he'll probably stay at home for the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown."

Gary Carson