Ballyhaunis didn't disappoint those that backed him from even money this morning into 4/7 as he saw off Gala Dancer by a convincing four lengths in the John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.

Ruby Walsh was always confident on the Daylami gelding, having his second start over flights, and once asked to go and win his race from before the last the response was impressive.

Mullins said afterwards: "I think quite a bit of him and I think he'll make a nice novice for the winter. He has the option of going back on the flat for the Cesarewitch or we'll find a nice novice hurdle for him.

Walsh said: "He had plenty of class on the flat. He jumped super most of the way and he'll go novice hurdling now. We've always thought quite a bit of him at home."