Rain has Easter Sunday go from strength to strength for Mullins team

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend doubled up at Fairyhouse with the hugely impressive Echoes In Rain in the Grade Two Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle.

Already on the mark on this card with El Barra Closutton also triumphed at Cork with the Brian Hayes-ridden The West Awaits

Echoes In Rain (2/1 favourite) was operating in a different league to her rivals once produced from after two out and she eventually slammed stable companion M C Muldoon by fifteen lengths.

“I was late to the start and I was struggling to get in there,” said Townend.

“She is learning the whole time and settling a bit better. I was kind of anxious to get a bit of cover and I was probably a place further back than I wanted to be. I was happy to sacrifice that to try and get her to settle.

“Every time I got a bit of light she got a bit keen with me. I was happy she wasn’t doing too much though and that’s the way she is.

“She wears her heart on her sleeve. When I got the gap at the back of the second last she has gone through it — probably too quick for the length of the straight here but it worked out well and she was doing it nicely.”

Meanwhile Mullins commented: “She’s got plenty of talent but she just needs to settle. She’s settling and learning all the time.

“We didn’t want to bring her to Cheltenham as she might boil over with the travelling. She’s improving all the time and will go to Punchestown now.

“In better races you can settle her in behind whereas in maiden races there wouldn’t be as much pace.

“The better ground was a huge factor and she showed a lovely turn of foot.

“It’s great to get a few quid off Paddy Kehoe (sponsor). He owned my first official winner.”

The Stewards reviewed an incident before the turn into the straight involving Thedevilscoachman ridden by M.P. Walsh, unplaced, M C Muldoon, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed second, Master McShee (GB), ridden by S.W. Flanagan, placed fifth and Razzle Dazzle Love ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, unplaced, where it appeared that these runners were tight for room for a few strides. Having reviewed the recording and considered the matter, the Stewards decided that no further action was warranted

(AM & EM)