Barker completes treble as Mullins and Walsh continue to dance

The terrific run of form of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh shows no sign of stopping as the pair got proceedings at Navan off to a winning start courtesy of Lilywhitedancer and then went on to complete a treble with Palace Merano and Barker

Instigating the three-timer, the seven-year-old King's Theatre gelding was opening his account over hurdles in the Kilberry Maiden at odds of 30/100.

"I'm delighted with that, he settled much better today than he has done, but he hated the ground - it is very tacky," said trainer Willie Mullins.

While of future plans he said, "We will try him with a winners of one, but he will go to Fairyhouse."

Palace Merano had to dig deep in the six-runner novice hurdle, with Solstice Knight being a notable absentee.

Noel Meade's Across The Bay ran the eventual winner all the way to the line but just failed as Mullins' charge made it two on the bounce.

"He makes hard work of it and we will go 2m6f-3m with him now, and Fairyhouse would appear to be perfect timing for him," explained the trainer.

Fairyhouse is also the target for former Pierse Hurdle winner Barker as the grey made it two on the trot over fences.

The grey was made work a little harder than his odds would have suggested but under the all conquering Ruby Walsh, Barker stuck his head out and scored by two-and-a-half-lengths from Jak Dream