Champion Trainer Willie Mullins and stable jockey Ruby Walsh completed a double in the first two races at Fairyhouse today when Ceol Rua landed Listed Easter 8th – 10th April Mares Novice Hurdle for the pair.

The daughter of Bob Back travelling strongly on the run to the final flight but Shadow Eile almost from nowhere, arrived full of running at the flight and soon had Walsh under pressure on Ceol Rua. However, to her credit Ceol Rua found top gear in a few strides to eventually regain the lead inside the final furlong for a comfortable win.

Afterwards Mullins said “Ceol Rua’s jumping has improved and it made all the difference. She is learning with experience and I imagine the mares’ hurdle at Punchestown should be the aim.

“She’ll probably go for a novice hurdle in between and her pedigree suggests she wants better ground – she had a good run at Aintree on good ground. When they go faster, her jumping will be better - I was impressed by the way she dug it out after she was passed today.”