Tounsivator ran out a cosy winner on his first outing for Willie Mullins in the maiden hurdle at Naas.

The Motivator gelding, a dual winner on the Flat in France, was making his first start since September 2022 and went to post an easy-to-back 7/2 shot.

Paul Townend came to dispute turning for home on his mount along with 11/10 favourite Shoot The Blues.

He travelled better than his rival going to the last but was untidy there and briefly gave the advantage to the market leader.

Townend was confident though and nudged his mount back to the front on the run-in to record a comfortable length-and-a-quarter victory. Rainbow Trail stayed on to take the runner-up sport, a length-and-a-quarter in front of Shoot The Blues

Patrick Mullins said afterwards:- “Paul said he was a bit keen but being ex-Flat you would expect that.

“His jumping was good bar he stood on himself after the last. To recover and win after losing all momentum was impressive.

“Aubrey McMahon bought him. That’s the second horse he’s run for the syndicate and they’ve both won — My Great Mate was the other one.

“You’d be looking for improvement when he settles and gets a cleaner round of jumping. He could be a fair horse and he’ll obviously be dual-purpose.

“He was going well in the autumn and Willie threw him out and gave him a break.

“I’m sure he’ll go for novice hurdles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)