Turban heads up Willie Mullins double at Fairyhouse
Willie Mullins claimed the principal contests at Fairyhouse with Turban and Gitane Du Berlais.
Last Updated: 19/01/14 6:13pm
Ruby Walsh brought the 11/2 shot with a powerful bid to lead after two out, sealing victory with a big leap at the final fence.
Competitive Edge tried hard but was well held as Turban got home six lengths
clear, with Lastoftheleaders third.
"He ran a nice race (over hurdles when second) in Cork and this is a nice race to win," said Mullins.
"He loves that ground and he's a hell of a jumper.
"I'd imagine that was his Gold Cup. If he keeps improving we'll look at a graded race."
Mullins was completing a double having earlier struck with Gitane Du Berlais, who outpointed stablemate Vicky De L'Oasis in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle.
Paul Townend led a long way out on the lightly-weighted four-year-old and the evens favourite kept up the gallop to comfortably beat Walsh's mount by five lengths.
"It was a good performance and they are two good mares. The winner loves the ground and the trip and the way she jumped the last few she had plenty in the tank," said Mullins.
Gitane Du Berlais received Triumph Hurdle quotes, but Mullins warned: "This is her ground and we are probably looking at taking her to France rather than Cheltenham. It will probably be too quick for her in Cheltenham."