Top team off the mark

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh got off the mark for this year's Galway Festival as Tawaagg justified skinny odds in the William Hill In Ireland Novice Hurdle.The 4-5 favourite was always travelling strongly in the hands of the champion jockey. Walsh was still sat motionless as his mount came to challenge No Stopping Sarah at the final flight, and he only had to punch the gelding out to the line to score by five and a half lengths.Mullins said: "He is improving all the time. I was a bit worried about the ground, but Tawaagg is getting stronger and handled it well. I will probably run him on the Flat at Killarney in three weeks' time."Walsh added: "He's improved no end and thankfully when he's met the rising ground he's come back on the bridle. He's learned his trade now and has done it well."Mullins went on to complete a double with Blackstairmountain justifying favouritism in the williamhill.com-casino (Q.R.) Maiden.The 5-4 chance was given a confident ride by the trainer's son Patrick and cruised up to challenge Miss Chaparral for the lead halfway up the straight. Once asked to go through with his effort the four-year-old lengthened impressively.Steve Capall (12-1) showed a tenacious attitude to come out on top in a thrilling finish to the williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle under Paul Carberry.Noel Meade's six-year-old looked at the mercy of The Rebel Returns after turning for home, and there was nothing between the pair after jumping the final obstacle. Just as The Rebel Returns appeared to be getting the better of the argument, Steve Capall came back for more and was a head up passing the post.Meade said: "He's a tough horse and I think Barry (Geraghty) probably woke him up a bit in Kilbeggan the other day as he had to give him a few thumps. I'd say Paul was pretty tired by the time he got to the top of the hill as he has been off for so long, but he was good on him."All he really does is stay and he jumps quite well too, so he'll probably be better when he jumps fences."