Pickapocketortwo proved too strong for odds-on shot Ipsos Du Berlais as Patrick Mullins doubled up and his father Willie recorded a treble at Thurles this afternoon. Jack Bene took them along in the 2m6f novice hurdle but was challenged on either side at the second last.

Pickapocketortwo took a narrow lead on the outer while 2/5 shot Ipsos Du Berlais switched to the inside to take closer order.

That pair came close after the final flight, but Pickapocketortwo (4/1) was always finding enough to score by half a length and survived a stewards enquiry.

The winner's two successes before today had come on decent ground and he had been runner-up in a couple of novice events since landing a Sligo maiden back in August.

"That's a much improved performance and he seems to be improving as he gets that bit fitter," said Mullins senior.

"We'll have to step him up in class now. He'll go chasing next year."