Mullins and Townend double up with Karl Der Grosse

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend doubled up at Killarney with Karl Der Grosse in the beginners' chase.

The 17/2 shot made headway to challenge Bussselton on the inner at the penultimate fence.

He soon assumed the lead and a lovely jump at the last saw him put Busselton (11/4) away by two and a half lengths. There was a big gap of 19 lengths back to Alpine Cobra at 28/1.

Assistant trainer David Casey said: "He was good, jumped well and we were coming back hoping he'd run well. It got a bit tight at the second last but Paul said he jumped well and he was happy with him.

"He had a couple of good runs but has had small little niggly issues but had a very good run at Galway last year. We'll see where he goes from here."

Karl Der Grosse's sole other success came in a maiden hurdle at Tramore three years ago. He was coming off a break since being pulled up in a beginners' chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Mullins and Townend also scored with Feigh in the opening 3yo maiden hurdle.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes