Easy for Attitash on third start for Mullins

Attitash (13/8f) made the breakthrough on his third start for Willie Mullins, as he ran out an easy winner of the In Celebration Of The Racing Achievements Of Billy Boyers Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Sean Treacy, the son of Mahler was second on his debut for Mullins at Tipperary in May, finishing third when sent off an odd-on favourite on his most recent start at Tramore.

Having raced mainly in fourth under Paul Townend, the bay victor took closer order from three out and improved to the front after the next.

Ridden after the last, he stretched clear on the run-in, going on to score easily by seven lengths. Vischio (7/1) came through to take second under Richie Deegan for Dick Donohoe, while the front-running Kitty Galore (6/1) was another three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

"He ran himself into the ground a bit at Tramore and the way this race was run just worked out better for him," Townend said.

"He'd run well in Tipperary and we thought he'd win in Tramore but he disappointed us.

"He had promised that he was good enough to win a race like this, but he hadn't done it in his two runs before today, so we're just delighted to get the win out of him."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan