The Willie Mullins trained Vesper Bell earned himself antepost quotes for the Cheltenham Festival following his opening race success in the €45 Bobbyjo Restaurant Package Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the son of Beneficial led from four out before staying on well from the home-turn to see off 25/1 shot Griesnau by nine lengths, with the winner’s stablemate Lord Gale back in third.

Afterwards Mullins said “he did it the hard way but did it well. We’ll step him up in trip and find something over 2m6f or 3m if we can. His owners probably want to go for the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at Cheltenham.”

Stan James Bookmakers introduced Vesper Bell at 25/1 for the Albert Bartlett Hurdle while also introducing him at 33/1 for the Neptune Investment Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham.