Shaneshill and Outlander hand Mullins a double

Shaneshill and Outlander confirmed themselves exciting hurdling recruits when registering smooth, odds-on wins for Willie Mullins in yesterday’s maiden hurdle action in Fairyhouse.

Winner of the Grade 1 bumper at the Punchestown Festival and runner-up in the Cheltenham equivalent, Shaneshill justified 2/11 favouritism with the minimum of fuss in the Fairyhouse Membership 2015 Maiden Hurdle, tracking the leaders and jumping well until produced by Ruby Walsh to lead at the second before coasting home, hard held, four lengths clear of Keppols Queen.

“I’m very pleased with that,” said the champion trainer. “The trip (two and a half miles) was not a problem, he can go back to two miles or go up in trip — we won’t be restricted by trip. He jumped very well, although he did miss the third last. It was a good start.”