Fionnegas remains unbeaten

Fionnegas a course bumper winner, made it four from four when on his second outing over hurdles he landed the odds in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle.

Those that invested at odds of 4/7 would have been on good terms with themselves for the majority of the contest as the Ruby Walsh-ridden gelding made all. He gave his backers a serious fright at the last when he got it badly wrong but he went on to prevail by five lengths over his market-rival, Slieveardagh

Successful trainer, Willie Mullins said: "This looked a nice opportunity on paper. He is not back in that long and it is nice to see that he retains his ability from earlier this season. He is more at home at this longer trip - he is a staying novice really. The Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan is an option for him - if I have him entered there."

Cashmans gave Fionnegas an introductory quote of 20/1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.