Mourad stamped his place as Ireland's leading three-mile hurdler with a classy performance in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Paul Townend oozed confidence on the 4/9 favourite as he hit the front after the second last.

He didn't need to come out of third gear as he cruised home from the final flight to record an effortless six-length victory over Moskova in the Grade 2 event.

"He seems to be improving and looks to be getting stronger with age," said trainer Willie Mullins afterwards.

"He did that on ground that I don't think he particularly likes and he'll be better on better ground.

"Paul was very cool on him. It's looks like we are on track for the World Hurdle."

Mourad is a general 10/1 shot for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham behind hot-pot Big Bucks (4/7).