Briar Hill pulls clear of his rivals© Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins-trained Briar Hill pulled away stylishly in the closing stages to make a winning 'track debut' in the concluding bumper at Thurles.
The Shantou gelding had won a point-to-point at Necarne last May and the second that day franked that form recently when winning a hurdle at Wetherby last month.
The Graham Wylie purchase was sent off a 1/5 shot here and the result never really looked in doubt.
Patrick Mullins had his mount at the head of affairs throughout and he went on from The Gotfor Man who had disputed, turning for home. Boondooma came through to give chase but when the hotpot hit top gear inside the final furlong he stretched clear for a comprehensive seven length success.
“He hadn't shown me anything until he worked the other day,” revealed Mullins senior.
“He's probably the type to show more on the track and that's a good sign in a horse.
“We haven't decided whether or not he'll go over hurdles but I'd imagine after that he'd be good enough for a winners bumper.
“A step up in trip would probably do him no harm either and on his pedigree he'd probably prefer better ground too.”
The winner is out of an unraced full-sister to Boston Bob.
It was a double on the card for the champion trainer, who had also saddled Call The Police to land the feature event under Ruby Walsh.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
