Willie Mullins doubled up at Fairyhouse today when Sempre Medici ran out an impressive winner of the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh 's mount moved smoothly through to challenge at the second last in the two-mile contest and was soon in control.

He kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a comprehensive five-and-a-half length win over Identity Thief

The winner had been sixth behind stable-mate Wicklow Brave in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

"That showed what running in a competitive handicap does for them. He was well able to jump back against novices and it gave him a different dimension," said Mullins.

"As the spring goes on he's going to get better and we'll look to Punchestown now."