Paul Townend rides a treble at Thurles with strong Cork connections

On the eve of the big weekend of Grade One action at Fairyhouse, trainer Willie Mullins made a big statement with a fantastic 120/1 five-timer at Thurles. 

Lisgoold jockey Paul Townend registered a treble, on a huge day for the Closutton yard. It was also a good day for Cork owners with wins for Lombron and Daddy Long Legs.

On a bitterly cold afternoon in Thurles, Townend and Mullins struck in the opener, with chasing debutant Il Etait Temps. The Grade One-winning hurdler took it up from Aspire Tower who'd set a strong gallop and won readily from his stable companion Ho My Lord who was an eye-catcher.

Townend was denied in the second race on the Cork-owned Haut En Couleurs. He finished second to Stable Companion Classic Getaway. 

The winner got a terrific ride from Danny Mullins, making all the running with an exhibition of bold accurate jumping. Haut En Couleurs has a poor win ratio but continues to run well in decent races.

Townend completed a double and provided Willie Mullins with a treble in the fourth race for the Cork-based Roaringwater Syndicate. French recruit Lombron was an impressive winner with a slick round of hurdling and is expected to improve significantly for the run. 

He carries the colours made famous by Florida Pearl. He'd been placed over hurdles in France and looks a nice addition for the owners.

Willie Mullins brought up a four-timer with his exciting mare Fun Fun Fun who made all for a facile success in the Mares Maiden Hurdle.

She became the 13th horse to have run in the Cheltenham bumper, to win over hurdles this season. Patrick Mullins was onboard for owner Simon Munir. 

Patrick originally owned this mare and rode her to victory on her debut in a Sligo Bumper. She was quite keen here today, but her hurdling was slick and accurate. She's likely to return to Thurles for a winners of one before Christmas.

DOMINANCE

Paul Townend completed his treble in the Killinan Maiden Hurdle which brought up the spectacular five-timer for Willie Mullins. They combined here for Cork owners Joe and Marie Donnelly on another French recruit Daddy Long Legs. 

He was seriously impressive in what looked like a decent maiden hurdle. He took up the running from his market rival Irish Panther and quickened away to win by 13 lengths from Cleatus Poolaw. The winner cost €210K after finishing second in a 12-furlong maiden at Saint Cloud for Nicolas Clement. 

He was given a top-priced quote of 20/1 for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next March. As well as giving Townend a treble it was also his 50th winner of the season to date.

The Mullins five-timer paid 120/1 and was the perfect aperitif, as the Closutton yard head into a huge weekend at Fairyhouse. 

Impaire Et Passe is the stable’s big hope in Sunday's Bar One Hatton's Grace Hurdle. 

The Ballymore winner will be looking to lay down the gauntlet to Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle next March. Constitution Hill also runs this weekend at Newcastle in Saturday's Fighting Fifth Hurdle.