Hot streak continues for Mullins on double

WILLIE MULLINS and Paul Townend continued their sensational run of form with a double at Punchestown yesterday. Even by his own high standards, the Closutton handler has been firing on all cylinders since the turn of the year, with his latest brace meaning he has now trained 39 winners in January. Stable jockey Townend is enjoy a similar hot streak, with his last 20 rides yielding 14 victories. It did not take the formidable partnership long to find the target, with Anotherway bolting up in the opening Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle. The five-year-old was the 8/15 favourite despite finishing down the field on his Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas and justified his cramped odds with a comfortable 12-length success. Coral cut Anotherway to 33/1 from 100/1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but Mullins indicated he could well step up in distance if he does make the trip to the Cotswolds. ‘He stayed well and galloped well the whole way to the line, but his jumping left a lot to be desired and he has to improve on that,’ said the champion trainer. ‘Maybe it was the heavy ground today because he jumped much better in Leopardstown the last day. I’m disappointed with his jumping but at least he did what he was showing us at home today. ‘Looking at that performance he might be more of a Ballymore (Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle) horse.’ Mullins and Townend doubled up in the Group Ticket Deal At Festival 2024 (C & G) Maiden Hurdle with the similarly promising Billericay Dickie (8/11 favourite). Another recruit from the French Flat scene, the five-year-old cruised to the front under a motionless Townend before kicking 11 lengths clear. Mullins added: ‘I was delighted with that. I didn’t think he’d go on that ground, but Paul said he handled it well.’