Solness made most for a cosy success in the opening winners' hurdle at Sligo this afternoon.

Despite whipping around at the start the well-backed 10/11 favourite soon led his two rivals in the two-mile-one contest.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding produced a good leap two from home, as the other duo made slight mistakes, and soon settled matters.

He was good again over the last for Danny Mullins and was always holding Colonel Mustard in the closing stages as that rival stayed on to get within three lengths.

It was a first start over timber for Solness in almost two years. He had won a competitive handicap chase at Listowel last time out.

Mullins said afterwards:- "He just spooked a little bit at the tapes but, for luck, nobody was that keen to be in front so it didn't prove to be very costly.

“He got into a a nice rhythm with his jumping and, even though I'd gone a strong enough gallop, I was always confident that I'd pick up and go again

"It was a good performance. He's a good chaser but it was a clever bit of placing from Joseph to put him in here. He hadn't run over hurdles for a while but he's coming from a good outfit and his hurdling was never going to be an issue.

"It could be an exciting dual-purpose season ahead for him. It would be nice if they can get him out before J J (Slevin, sidelined through injury at present)) is back!

“I spoke to him this morning and he's in good spirits. I'm sure he might be winning on this lad again in the future."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)