OUT of action with a broken collar-bone since March 26, Paul Townend returned in style when registering a double on odds-on favourites Rattan and Killultagh Queen at Ballinrobe last night where trainer Willie Mullins went on to complete a treble with Bless N’ject in the bumper.

IT is always a worry supporting a horse from a stable out of form, but we have to take our courage in our hands and row in with Willie Mullins' Avoca Mist in the Devil's Bit Mares Maiden Hurdle at Thurles this evening.

THE final race at Thurles yesterday, the second division of the Mares Bumper, produced a rare occurrence at an Irish racetrack, writes Pat Keane.

FRANCIS Flood’s Blanchfield is fancied to take the first division of the Clonoulty Mares Bumper at Thurles this afternoon.

WILLIE MULLINS has yet another major string to his Cheltenham bow, following newcomer Ballytrim’s annihilation of the opposition in the Bumper at Thurles yesterday.

MARHABA MILLION, one of the best juvenile hurdlers in the country, has been bought by JP McManus.

THURLES, which has made a massive contribution to National Hunt racing over many years, again comes up with the goods this afternoon, housing eight races.

DUSTY SHEEHY, whose Justified turned in such a fine round of jumping to score first time up over fences at Punchestown last week, wasted no time getting among the winners at Clonmel yesterday when Ballyjohnboy Lord landed the Tipp FM Maiden Hurdle.

PUNCHESTOWN should house a healthy attendance this afternoon to witness the reappearance of Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Kicking King in the Daily Star Chase.

TEEMING RAIN swooped late and fast to beat the gallant Sweet Kiln a short head in yesterday’s Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles.

PAUL CASHMAN partnered the initial four-timer of his career at the well-attended Tallow point-to-point, run under the auspices of the West Waterford Foxhounds, on Jimmy Mangan’s lands at Conna yesterday.

Falbrav, favourite for Sunday’s Hong Kong Cup, enjoyed a canter at Sha Tin under the eye of trainer Luca Cumani this morning.

ALAMSHAR received a glowing assessment yesterday from senior British Horseracing Board handicapper Nigel Gray.

Clive Brittain has revealed that a mosquito attack may have prevented stable star Warrsan from giving his true run in Italy last weekend.

CLIVE BRITTAIN’S return to the big time continued at Chester yesterday as Dutch Gold spread-eagled his rivals to win the Victor Chandler Chester Vase.