Willie Mullins off to a flyer with Ballinrobe double

Having finished the old season on a high at Punchestown, Willie Mullins made the perfect start to the 2016-2017 campaign when recording a double with his first two runners, Livelovelaugh and Fire In Soul, in Ballinrobe yesterday.

Off the track for more than a year, since being tried in Grade 1 bumper company, Livelovelaugh justified strong market support when bolting-up in the opener, the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle.

Having tracked the leader, in-form Paul Townend allowed the 8/13 favourite stride on after the second last and Susannah Ricci’s Beneficial gelding stretched clear to slam Glencairn View, easily, by eight lengths.