Willie Mullins and Paul Townend continued a fine Christmas run when Stattler opened his account over timber in the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 13/8 favourite was soon prominent in the two-and-a-half mile contest and hit the lead at halfway.

Stable-mate Glens Of Antrim tried to throw down a challenge passing the omitted final flight but Stattler found plenty to record a three-length win.

The Stowaway gelding had been turned over when a short price on his hurdling debut at Naas last month, finishing third to Vanillier.

“He's a galloper and a chaser in the making,” said Townend afterwards.

“He handled that trip in a maiden and I'd say he can always step up in trip. He improved from his first run.”