Bel Sas proved too strong for his rivals when making all to land the Guinness Novice Hurdle at Galway.

Ruby Walsh stepped in for the winning ride and was positive on the 6/4 favourite in the two-and-a-half mile event . Champagne Harmony tried to throw down a challenge over the second last but was fighting a losing battle turning for home.

Bel Sas stayed on well when asked for an effort on the run-in to post a two-and-three-quarter length success in the Gigginstown colours.

The winner was making it two from two over timber having taken a maiden hurdle over three miles at Bellewstown earlier in the month.

“I'm very happy with him. Coming back in trip he jumped well and the way he jumped he could probably come back further in trip,” said Mullins.

“He's really awesome jumping and is a pure natural. I'll look for novice hurdles for him in the summer/autumn.

“I'm not sure he wants real heavy ground and we'll do what we can while the ground is nice.

“He disappointed in bumper and made hard work of winning one but hurdles have transformed him and he looks a much better horse over hurdles.

“We'll know more about him when we up him in grade.”