Tom Hogan can take a deal of credit for his handling of the ex-Alan King trained Mount Helicon and the former Andre Fabre flat racer gained due reward for his consistency on outing number three for the Tipperary handler with a stylish win in the www.countysligoraces.com Maiden Hurdle.

Johnny Cullen aboard the winner, headed the front-running New Rules after three out in this two miler, and from that point home the only danger to the even money favourite was the two hurdles in front of him as he sauntered to an easy nine length win from Stayclosetome

Hogan said of his Galway Festival second: "He is a very nice horse that needs an ease in the ground. We'll take our time with him, there is no rush for the time-being. If the handicapper isn't too hard on him he might go for a little handicap.

"His owner, Margaret Masterson is a Dublin-based accountant."