So Young gets favourite backers off to a winning start

Willie Mullins unleashed So Young an impressive four-year-old triple winner in France, to win the opening two mile four furlong maiden hurdle at Leopardstown by sixteen lengths.

Paul Townend travelled strongly in sixth place as Baily Green cut out the pace from Changing Times At the second last Townend asked his gelding to hit the front and he quickened away in some style to earn a 12/1 quote from Boylesports for the Neptune Investment Hurdle at Cheltenham. William Hill go 10/1 and also have him at 10/1 for the Albert Bartlett Hurdle. Paddy Power also go 10/1 for the Neptune.

Trainer Mullins said: "Two and a half miles is the right trip for him, he definitely needs that. That looks a good performance. I'll find another novices hurdle for him. He's not the biggest horse and wouldn't strike me as a chaser."

So Young justified favouritism at 7/4. Harpsy Cord and Changing Times completed the places.