Champion trainer Willie Mullins secured a Sligo double as odds-on favourite Dr Machini and Andrew Lynch took the two miles mares maiden hurdle by three lengths.

A good jump at the last flight enabled the 5/6 shot to see off Lough Roe Lady There was plenty in the tank then to repel Shershewill (8/1) who stayed on well for second.

Andrew Lynch commented: “She jumped reasonably well and had a bit of class. Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards for her now.”

Dr Machini’s last outing saw her finish fifth in a Listed bumper at Aintree. This was her hurdling debut. She was supported down from 5/4 when the market opened on this race. The runner-up also saw money at 14/1 down to 8/1. Court Lexi at 7/2 grabbed third placed prize money while Lough Roe Lady’s mistake at the last saw her drop to fourth of the 15 runners.

Michael Graham