Briar opens hurdles account in style

Cheltenham bumper winner Briar Hill opened his account over hurdles with the minimum of fuss when cruising to success in the opener at Wexford this afternoon.

Ruby Walsh made all on the 1/9 shot and only had to shake him up briefly before the last to seal matters.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, racing in the colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie, produced a fine leap at the last and could afford to ease home on the run-in for a 11-length success over Molly Connors

The Shantou gelding is now three from three on the track. He had pulled up on his point to point debut, before winning at Necarne, but has an unblemished record since.

“Wexford is not a track that would suit his strengths but I'm delighted he won,” said Walsh afterwards.

“He jumped super and travelled very well. It didn't feel like he was going that quick but he is a Grade One Cheltenham winner.”

Mullins later added:- "I think the Royal Bond will come too soon for him and I'm thinking of stepping him up in trip for the Grade 1 Navan Novice Hurdle (December 15th)."

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)