Having had valid excuses when disappointing last time, Rath Gaul Boy bounced back to form in devastating fashion when running out a hugely impressive winner of the opening Ryan's Cleaning Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Those that got their fingers burnt at Leopardstown earlier this month were prepared to forgive that run, as the Willie Mullins trained gelding was sent off a strong 8-11f here.

Always front rank under jockey Paul Townend, the Sullivan Bloodstock Limited owned seven-year-old moved up to take over from long time leader Omniscient two out. In a race where very few got competitive, for a couple of strides it looked as though those coming from off the pace had chances of sorts.

However, quickening clear from the back of the penultimate flight, Rath Gaul Boy already had the race in safe keeping when a huge leap at the last put the result beyond all doubt. At the line, the Mullins trained winner had 12 lengths to spare over runner-up Pen To Paper

Assistant trainer David Casey: “He improved from Leopardstown and did it well. He’s one to keep on the go during the summer and we’ll probably find something for him in the next couple of weeks.

“He jumped well and settled better today dropping back to two miles. I’d say the freshness was gone off him. It was his first run for a while in Leopardstown and he improved from it.

“He did things better today.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.