Mouchoir makes winning hurdling debut

Petit Mouchoir opened his account over timber with ease as he claimed the Cahir Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.

Willie Mullins completed a double on the card as the Gigginstown gelding cantered to a three-length victory at odds of 1/5.

Bryan Cooper tracked the leaders before letting his mount stride on with a circuit to run.

The French-bred made a slight mistake two from home but soon has his rivals cooked and could afford to ease home on the run-in to beat Lofgren

The winner was taking his unbeaten record to three having landed a point-to-point before claiming the Goffs Land Rover Bumper for Gordon Elliott at Punchestown.

"He did well to win considering how hard he pulled and I'm hoping in a stronger race he'll settle better,” said Mullins.

"I don't mind going further (in trip) but his next run will depend on what turns up (over Christmas).

“He looks a nice sort but should be easier to ride over two miles. After getting that first run out of his system, he might also be easier to ride."

The winner remains a 16/1 shot for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Paddy Power and the same firm introduced him at that price for the Neptune Novices' Hurdle.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)