Dermot McLoughlin warms up for Irish National repeat bid with day-two double

Sunday: Fairyhouse

Dermot McLoughlin was the man of the moment at this meeting 12 months ago when Freewheelin Dylan plundered the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, and a well-backed double on day two of this year's festival kept the local trainer's name up in lights.

A good day for McLoughlin, jockey Keith Donoghue and owner-breeders Tilly and Pat Conway started with a bang as Imperial Ruler gained a deserved breakthrough in the opening 2m maiden hurdle.

McLoughlin said of the winning 6-4 favourite: "He ran around a bit in front due to greenness but he's a nice horse. He picked up well when he got stuck into him and did the job well.

"I'd imagine he'll stay going for a while, maybe for a winners' race or something like that. He has to learn a bit more."

Dermot McLoughlin on Digby: 'He toughed it out and is a real stayer.'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A little over 35 minutes later there was further joy for the in-form team as Digby, sent off 7-1 after opening up at 10-1 in the ring, showed a terrific attitude to fend off all challengers in the 2m4f novice handicap hurdle.

McLoughlin, who saddles Lord Lariat in Monday's highlight, said: "Once the first horse won I thought this fella had a good chance - he's a hardy horse. He toughed it out and is a real stayer.

"They're two nice horses going forward and both will jump a fence. It's great to get this at our local track."

More joy for Jody as Mullins completes Fairyhouse four-timer

Fresh from landing the Ladies National here on Saturday, Jody Townend's sensational season got even better as she led home a Willie Mullins-trained 1-2-3 in the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper.

It was the talented amateur's 24th winner from just 71 jumps rides this season. Backing Townend blind during the current campaign would see you €91.62 in profit to a €1 stake.

Promising debut winner Icare Desbois was Mullins' fourth winner on the card and a fifth in total on the day after Melon scored in Grade 3 company at Cork.

Icare Desbois: produced smart display to land the Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales BumperCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"That was a great result," said Mullins. "They all look nice types for the future."

Mt Leinster has arguably been a frustrating type to follow in recent seasons but managed to win back-to-back races for just the second time in his career as he took out the €50,000 BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase under Danny Mullins.

It seemed as though the race was still in the melting pot before Grange Walk fell at the second last when about to throw down a challenge, but the 7-2 winner found generously enough for pressure to score by five lengths.

Mullins said: "We were probably a little fortunate but the fences are there to be jumped. I think Danny had kept his powder a little drier than the opposition. There probably won't be too much for him summer jumping over that trip unless he goes out in distance."

Results, replays and analysis

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday