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Davy Russell on Solwhit is beaten on the run up by Paul Townend on Hurricane Fly at Fairyhouse today. INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Fly leads big race treble on mixed day for Mullins

Willie Mullins was centrestage at the Co Meath racecourse today.

HURRICANE FLY enhanced his Champion Hurdle credentials as he headed a Willie Mullins treble at Fairyhouse today.

On a super day of racing in co Meath, he beat Solwhit by a length-and-a-half in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle after Zaidpour’s win in the previous race.

Paul Townend earned a third victory with Golden Silver in the Hilly Way Chase, but Mikael D’Haguenet fell at the last in the Drinmore Novice Chase.

Mullins’ great hope Mikael D’Haguenet was sent off hot favourite despite making his first start in almost 600 days and his first outing over fences in this country.

A future Cheltenham Gold Cup prospect, he duelled with Jessies Dream (7-2),  ridden by Timmy Murphy, until slipping to the ground after the final obstacle and affording his rival victory.

Fairyhouse staged an impressive four Grade One races in one afternoon, with Tranquil Sea winning the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase – whch was moved there earlier this week.

The 2009 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner obliged at 5-2 for trainer Edward O’Grady, ahead of J’y Vole in second, with former RSA Chase winner Cooldine out of the places for Mullins.

Of Mikael D’Haguenet, Mullins said: ”His inexperience came against him at the last where he just stumbled on landing after jumping well.

Hopefully he’ll learn from it and it won’t affect his confidence. That’s novice chasing.

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