Townend/Mullins complete brace with Bank

Laganbank completed a quick double for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins when cruising to success in the Parkmore Maiden Hurdle at Galway.

It was a powerful performance from the Norwich gelding, who tanked his way around Ballybrit, and landed the spoils with the minimum of fuss.

The biggest job for Townend was getting his mount settled in the early stages but once he gave the 11/10 favourite an inch of rein at the second last he jumped into the lead. Serein was flat to the boards to try and throw down a challenge turning for home but had no chance with the winner, who sauntered clear on the run-in for a seven-length success.

The dual bumper winner had been runner-up to Sublime Talent on his only previous hurdle start at Ballinrobe and looks to have a bright future over timber.

"I couldn't fault him. He travelled well - maybe a little bit too well. He took me there and galloped away," said Townend afterwards.

"He seems to be doing everything right."

Gary Carson