Nikini scoots in to give Mullins and Townend a double

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend made it a quick-fire double in Listowel when the always-prominent Nikini took the second race in Listowel - the mares' hurdle over 2m4f.

She was briefly headed by Shannon Glory after the fifth flight but began to crank up the pressure on her five rivals with a slick jump at the third last. Hollymount came off the bridle before two out but made headway into second there, however, Nikini was excellent over that flight which enabled her to forge on and close the race out by a length and a quarter from the 7/2 runner-up. This was a step up in trip for the winner.

Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said: "The lads who own her were meant to play a Gaelic football match for Old Leighlin at 12 in Waterford but got it moved forward to 10.30am and the manager let four of them leave at half-time!

"They got in here about ten minutes before the race although I’m not sure whether they won the match or not."

He added: "They went very slow, which probably suited her, and we wanted to come here to jump the birch hurdles before she goes to Down Royal (for the Grade 3 Mares’ Hurdle).

“The fact she has won two now, I might be able to do the weight next time.”

Level at half-time, Old Leighlin were beaten by two points by Ring.

Mullins and Townend took the opener with Aghaboy

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes