Mullins fires in double with impressive Eabha Grace

Eabha Grace brought up a first and last-race double for Willie Mullins in impressive fashion in the bumper at Thurles.

The second split of the mares' bumper was the final race run in Ireland before St Stephen's Day and, doubtless, punters who now have time to watch it back will put Eabha Grace into their notebooks.

The Walk In The Park four-year-old made her debut and was given her head by Jody Townend (deputising for the suspended Patrick Mullins) to lead approaching the home straight. Scarlet Witch tried to make a race of it but, once Eabha Grace readily kicked inside the final furlong, the response was impressive as she shot clear.

The 5/6 favourite took the honours by an easy six and a half lengths from Scarlet Witch (6/1). Churchtown Ruby was backed down to 2/1 but never landed a glove on the winner in third.

"She is a good mare and has a nice pedigree. She wouldn't fill you with confidence working at home but I brought her away once and she worked well and that's the second time she has gone well for me," Mullins said.

"She is very lazy at home and Jody seems to have found another gear for her.

"I imagine she can go anywhere after that and can improve. We'll look at the mares' bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival and try and get black-type and see how far she can go."

Mullins took the opening beginners' chase with odds on favourite Stratum

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes