< Quiscover Fontaine starred in a treble for trainer Willie Mullins at Clonmel to enhance his Cheltenham prospects.

The six-year-old, ridden by Mullins' nephew Emmet, came home 17 lengths clear of Swift Counsel in the Powerstown Chase.

His task was made easier when the pace-setting Whatuthink fell two out but the 6-5 favourite looked to have his measure.

Quiscover Fontaine was cut to 33-1 from 50-1 by William Hill for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy.

The trainer was absent as he was attending the funeral of jockey Ronan Lawlor, who was killed in a gallops accident on Tuesday.

Winning owner Brendan Doyle explained: "Willie was giving a eulogy at the funeral of Ronan Lawlor. He grew up with (Mullins' son) Patrick and Emmet and they were in the same class at National school. He was a close friend.

"Quiscover Fontaine jumped brilliantly. Emmet said he is improving and loves this game.

"He is in both the Arkle and RSA and knowing Willie he'll keep him in both.

"I have two other races in mind for him. There is a winners-of-two at Leopardstown in a few weeks or there is a race in Limerick, the Hugh McMahon Chase, but that comes 10 days before Punchestown."

Mullins had earlier struck with Some Target who was all out to hold the persistent challenge of long-time leader Fennis Boy in the Demense Maiden Hurdle.

The 8-13 favourite, ridden by Ruby Walsh, got home by a length and a quarter after prolonged tussle.

"He did what we expected there. He probably wants nicer ground and he had to work hard to fend off Fennis Boy in the end. He jumped very well though," said Mullins' representative Gary Davies.< The Midnight Club completed the trio by making all in the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase to give Emmet Mullins a double, the evens favourite winning by 11 lengths from Kind Oscar

Sean McDermott was stood down for the rest of the day following a fall Seaside Shuffle in the opener and missed a winner when Knockbrack Vic got the better of Whatsabillion in a close finish to the Ballypatrick Handicap Hurdle.

Eddie Power