Rattan was forecast to be long odds on for the four runner Aer Lingus Regional Hurdle at Tramore, but went off a generous 5/6 favourite and secured a bloodless 20-length victory under David Casey. Norther Bay took the small field along in the two mile contest, however he gave way to Echo Bob and Rattan before two out. They jumped that flight in unison before Rattan quickened away to leave Echo Bob and Davy Russell toiling in second.

Willie Mullins’s charge opened at 8/11 and drifted to 5/6 as punters steamed into Echo Bob from 9/4 to 6/4. Once headed by Rattan though, he had nothing more to give.

Gary Davies, travelling head lad to Wiillie Mullins, said: “He’s a great servant to the stable and is very consistent. He takes his racing very well.

“We thought the ground was a bit of a worry, but he handled it well. There should be something for him at Listowel and he’ll jump a fence in time.”

Rattan was coming off a run in the Galway Hurdle where he finished 12th. He was rated 18 pounds superior to main rival Echo Bob, but only had to give him three pounds in weight under the conditions of this race.

Willie Mullins enjoys sending his horses to Tramore. He was operating at a 27 per cent strike-rate before this card.

Norther Bay came in third while King High who was under pressure before three out, trailed in last beaten over 50 lengths.

(on course reporting by Alan Magee)