Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh took the hurdling honours at Downpatrick with a short-priced double through Final Approach and Hampshire Express

Final Approach (4-7) looks to have a bright future after making a winning debut in the Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle.

Walsh produced the four-year-old to lead at the last to score by nine lengths from Fearnwood Girl

Mullins' assistant Harold Kirk said: "He will probably go to Punchestown now for one of the four-year-old races, maybe even a graded race.

"He's a very smart horse and he jumped really well today."

Walsh made all the running on Hampshire Express in the Saintfield Hurdle, the even-money favourite winning by seven lengths to make amends for his early exit in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.

Mullins' son Patrick said: "He will be turned out again quickly as he doesn't need much of a break."

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