The Willie Mullins-trained Billaway pulled clear up the hill to justify his short price in the Boardsmill Sires Maiden Hunters Chase at Downpatrick.

The 10/11 shot came through to dispute with Tareeshar going to the second last in the two-mile-seven contest.

Patrick Mullins 's mount jumped the last with the advantage and proved too strong for his rival in the closing stages as he stretched away to record a 17 length win.

The winner was taking a drop in grade today having been third behind Fenno's Storm in the Tetratema at Gowran 15 days ago.

Willie Mullins said: "The owner John Turner has a few nice horses with me including Tornado Flyer who hopefully we will have back for Punchestown.

"We said we would buy this fellow for a bit of fun hunter chasing and he can progress from there up to Fairyhouse or Punchestown, probably Fairyhouse I'd say.

"He was very lazy there and he's learning about racing slowly, and I think his jumping has improved.

"I think he could be a nice hunter chaser for the future for some of the big tracks. Hopefully a nice fun horse for John."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)