Long Dog barks for the punters

Punters who listened to owner Rich Ricci before the opener in Galway would have been encouraged to back Long Dog in the two mile novice hurdle and he certainly didn't disappoint.

Ricci said: "He's a horse we have high hopes for. I think of him in potential as a Cheltenham horse so hopefully he can prove that today."

The five-year-old gelding was well supported throughout the day from 4/6 to 4/9 and at the track from 4/7 to 1/2.

He was always in the front rank upsides leader Three Stars At the second last though, he reached for it and was untidy upon landing. Ruby Walsh soon had him back in stride and the pair took over approaching the last.

Once he soared over the final obstacle, he kept on well up the hill to win by 10 lengths from Three Stars (12/1). Patsio at 20/1 came in third.

Ruby Walsh said: "It was a good even gallop all the way. My horse jumped really well until I got a bit brave on him at the second last and probably asked him for a jump that was probably a bit big. He stays really well. He was a good winner of a maiden when Andy Oliver had him.

"In Sligo he beat Thomas Edison who's a Galway Hurdle winner. He's had his problems since we got him but he won well in Sligo and he has backed it up here with a better performance again. I'd say Long Dog will improve when he goes out in trip. I'd say he is a real stayer."

Willie Mullins added: "Ruby thought after the race that he should go up in trip and I loved the way he galloped all the way to the line.

"After the mistake he made, and to go up the hill the way he did, screamed that he needs a trip. I'm more than pleased with the way he responded to the mistake.

"This horse and the one last night (Bachasson) are two really good novices for this time of year."

Mullins and Walsh also took yesterday's opening novice hurdle with Bachasson (5/4f).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee