Treble for Mullins as Bishopsfurze scores

Bishopsfurze completed a quick treble for his trainer Willie Mullins as he took the fourth race at Thurles this afternoon, the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle.

The 7yo son of Broadway Flyer was making his come back from a break today having not raced since finishing eighth in a handicap chase at Punchestown in May behind Caduceus.

Ridden by David Casey, the 4/1 shot made all and came home a two length winner from the 11/4 favourite Folsom Blue in second under Davy Russell for Conor O'Dwyer.

The winner was ridden and strongly pressed at the second last by Folsom Blue but he was driven out and stayed on well from the last to record his third win for five starts at Thurles.

The Noel Glynn trained Becauseicouldntsee ran on to take third a further four and three parts of a length back under Andrew Lynch at 12/1.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "That was a fortuitous win for David Casey. I had Paul Townend jocked up to ride Bishopsfurze but there was a mix up at declaration time and I only saw it when I came here yesterday.

"Paul had the option to swap if he wanted but he decided to stick with Sweet My Lord as he had worked well recently.

"He looked thrown in here getting ten pounds on a track that he loves as well. He is a stronger horse this year and the way he jumped today would encourage me to go back chasing with him."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)