Willie Mullins got the busy Christmas period off to the best possible start as French import Alvisio Ville took the opening Bewleys Hotels Maiden Hurdle in great style at Leopardstown.

The J P McManus-owned grey gelding travelled strongly to lead before the final flight, and drew clear on the run-in for Paul Townend to score by an easy five and a half lengths.

The front-running Baily Cloud took the runner-up spot a length ahead of Aengus in third.

Patrick Mullins said, "He showed there what he's showing at home. He's 17.2 hands and has a huge stride. As they were going faster he jumped better, and we think he's very, very good."

Paddy Power cut the winner from 16/1 into 10/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, while Boylesports have introduced him at 16/1.