Paul Nolan is right in the middle of a purple patch and his great run continued with the victory of Clan Tara in the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles.

Five of Nolan's last eight runners have now won and this son of Kayf Tara would look to have a bright future.

The seven-year-old made all under Davy Russell and the 4-1 chance showed a pleasing attitude when challenged at the final flight in the Grade Two event.< The Bishop Looney gave it everything but went down by a neck. Quiscover Fontaine was disappointing and never got into contention.

"He's been very consistent all season. We had to decide beforehand whether to ride him positively or drop him in, and it has worked out well," said Nolan.

"He won't go to Cheltenham, it will come too soon now.

"We'll have a look at Fairyhouse and Punchestown as long as the ground is not too quick.

"He looks a real chasing type and will go over fences next season."

While Willie Mullins was out of luck with unplaced favourite Quiscover Fontaine in the feature, Irish Invader (9-4) emerged as a possible Grand National contender after his all-the-way win in the Cashel Chase.

Mullins said: "That was a super ride by Paul (Townend), he took the initiative right from the start and jumped from fence to fence.

"I'm having serious thoughts about going for the Aintree National. We've been making plenty of use of him over shorter trips but we could put him to sleep there and he jumps so well.

"That's Plan A at the moment."

Mullins and Townend doubled up with Jessie's Dream (3-1) in the Thurles Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.

Paul Carberry gave Michael Hourigan's El Jo (8-1) a great ride to beat Island Wood by a neck in the Ballycahill Beginners Chase.

"El Jo has been a little unlucky to have won just two races and is definitely a better horse when fresh. He won't run next until St Patrick's Day at the earliest," said Hourigan.

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