So Young takes the opener with ease

The opening race at Punchestown this afternoon, the Paul Carberry Autobiography Best Seller Hurdle went according to the script as the 2/5 favourite So Young came home an easy winner under Ruby Walsh.

Trained by Willie Mullins (recording his eleventh winner since last Sunday) the son of Lavirco raced in third behind front runner Fully Funded and Askanna for much of the race.

He travelled strongly into the straight and hit the front before the last, racing clear from there to win by an easy eleven lengths.

Fully Funded at 10/3 took second while last year's winner Askanna finished last of the three at 7/1.

The winning French import was getting back to winning ways today having disappointed at the Punchestown Festival in May when finishing last of six behind Spirit of Adjisa in a Grade 1 Novice Hurdle when sent off the 9/10 favourite.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "I’m very pleased with that. The trip was no problem to him.

"We will see how he comes out of this now with a view to the Hatton’s Grace (at Fairyhouse on December 4th). Really I’d rather give him a longer break after his first run back and the three mile race at Christmas is favourite for his next run.

"I’ll be gearing him toward the bigger Festivals in the spring time."

Bookmaker Stan James have shortened the winner to 16/1 for the World Hurdle from 33/1.