Mullins strikes with Away We Go

Away We Go made a winning start for Willie Mullins when battling gamely to land the spoils in the three-mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The champion trainer has a great record of rejuvenating horses that join the yard and the Stowaway gelding was sent off 15/8 favourite to make his first start for Mullins a winning one.

He travelled well turning into the straight as Paul Townend sent him up to join the hat-trick seeking Ballygill Gale

The pair fought it out from the second last and Away We Go looked set to get on top at the final flight.

Ballygill Gale rallied gamely on the run-in, however, and pushed his rival hard to the line as just a head seperated the pair.

The winner had slipped to a career low mark over timber and is also rated significantly higher over fences.

"He did it nicely and he'll probably stay hurdling for the time being," said Mullins.

"The overall plan for the season is to mix it over hurdles and fences. His pedigree suggests he wants this trip but I think we'll be able to vary it with him.

"I've not had him that long. I liked the way he put his head down the second time when I thought he was beaten."

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)