Hero looks High Class as he completes Mullins/Townend treble

High Class Hero made it three from three for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend at Limerick this afternoon, as he claimed the Listed Rathsallagh Country House Novice Hurdle.

Now unbeaten in four starts since joining Mullins, the winning son of Sulamani was sent off the clear favourite at 8/15.

Settled in third, the chestnut victor wasn't fluent at times but travelled best when coming with his challenge between horses on the approach to two out.

Pushed along to lead before the last, he increased his advantage on the run-in and came home seven-lengths clear of the front-running The Big Doyen (3/1).

There was a further 11-lengths back to The Wallpark in third, while Summer Melody finished a tailed off last of the quartet.

"He surprised us at the start as he does a lot more on the track than he does at home. He's a lovely horse who is improving every day," Townend commented.

"He looks a horse for festivals and if you wanted to knock him, you could knock his jumping, but when I wanted him he was there.

"He is going the right way though and he is impressing us when he goes to the track."

Mullins and Townend were earlier successful with A Penny A Hundred and Space Tourist their only other representatives on this seven-race card.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes