Mullins doubles up with Glengouly

Glengouly brought up a Leopardstown double for Willie Mullins as he confirmed superiority over Sam's Choice

Glengouly beat Sam's Choice by a length and a half over an extended two and a half miles in a RED MILLS EBF Ladies Auction Maiden Hurdle in January and the pair clashed again in this RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle over the minimum trip of two miles.

Just the six horses went to post and they all held a chance after the second last. I Don't Get It led them on the turn for home but was soon taken on by the 11/8 favourite Pinkerton with Glengouly poised on the new leader's shoulder.

Glengouly travelled well under Jack Foley and took a narrow lead jumping the last. He got away from it nicely as Pinkerton failed to go with him in the final 150 yards.

Sam's Choice (7/2) wasn't done with, though, and finished well but Glengouly (5/2) was tough all the way to line as he saw him off by three parts of a length.

Mullins said: “It was a great ride from Jack, he got him settled. He was a little free going over the first couple of hurdles but he settled him going down the back and produced him nicely.

“I was particularly pleased that he was able to win over two miles, I thought the trip might be a bit short for him. It was nice to see him winning that over a shorter trip and on nicer ground as well.

“He'll be prepared now for the final in Punchestown.

“I loved the way he jumped, he jumped like a chaser. He was really big and bold.”

Mullins also landed the opener with Brooklynn Glory

Additional reporting by Gary Carson