WILLIE MULLINS’ long odds-on Final Approach never left second gear when taking the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

Hurricane Fly gave trainer Willie Mullins his first BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle success when boosting his Cheltenham prospects at Leopardstown.

THE formidable Waterford father and daughter team of Mick Brennan and Julie Power must have a major chance of repeating last year’s success in the Vetsearch Irish Grand National following Monday’s first round action at Harold’s Cross.