Favourite backers got off to a winning start at Punchestown today, when The Hurl proved the well backed 11/8 winner of the Dobbins Catering At Punchestown Maiden Hurdle, for trainer Mouse Morris and stable jockey Niall Madden.

The son of Supreme Leader improved to lead before two out and responded well to a powerful drive from Madden to see off the challenge of Abou Ben by a length.

Afterwards Morris mentioned “today's inside track was a little tighter than I thought it was but The Hurl did it well. He is a real chaser in the making and will either contest a winners' of one hurdle or go straight chasing.”

He added “The Hurl always looked half decent but had the same tendon injury as War Of Attrition had. We used stem cell regeneration on The Hurl too – it is a non-invasive process and he was ridden out while he was being treated.”