Mullins the man at Thurles - doubling up with Townend through Allaho

Favourite Allaho (10/11) led home second market choice Elimay (4/1 into 100/30) as Willie Mullins dominated the Grade Two Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase which completed a Thurles double for the Closutton maestro.

Mullins and stable jockey Paul Townend landed the opening Grade Two at the County Tipperary venue with Colreevy

A bit to his left jumping wise off the front end, Allaho hit two out, and down in distance he was three lengths too strong for his stable companion Elimay from the back of the last.

They left another Closutton inmate, Annamix all of seventy nine lengths back in third.

Sixth in the John Durkan, and fourth in the Savills Chase previously this term, Allaho is now 5/1 from 6/1 (non runner no bet) for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham with Paddy Power.

The same firm are 9/2 from 7/1 (non runner no bet) about Elimay for the Mares Chase.

"I think he was idling in front all the time and that might be more his trip. I was a little worried when Elimay got to him but when he saw her he picked up and went away again like a decent horse,” said Mullins.

"Elimay ran a fantastic race as well and she will go for the Opera Hat Chase in Naas next and maybe on to the mares' chase in Cheltenham after that.

"Allaho is a huge horse and I thought he was a three miler but maybe he is better off coming back to 2m4f or 2m5f - I am thinking about the Ryanair for him.

"He is making progress and I think he will improve into the spring which is the time of year you want to improve in. I'm looking forward to his next run and he'll probably go straight to Cheltenham."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Battleoverdoyen trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race and it took some time to recover.

(TW & EM)