Stolberg provided local trainer Andrew McNamara with a welcome winner when justifying strong support in the 8/1 Willie Mullins To Train A Cheltenham Winner At Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.

The Croom handler was bridging a gap of eight months since his last success, and the eight-year-old gelding was certainly backed to do so.

Available at 9/1 this morning and further supported on track from 7/1 into 11/2 joint favourite, the son of Vinnie Roe took it up turning into the straight.

Jonathan Moore ’s mount stayed on strongly on the run-in to beat Black Ice by five lengths, while All About Alfie and Maighnealta both did good work in the closing stages in third and fourth respectively.

McNamara said, "He wants a lot further but on that ground it's plenty far enough for him.

"He's had lots of problems with wind, heart, legs and everything but is in the top of his health at the minute. He's entered for Cork on Monday but I won't run him.

"I might try to win another hurdle with him but he'll be going jumping fences shortly and will stay going for the summer.

"That was Jonathan's first ride for me and he's a good lad."

(TW & AM)