Stone Hard and Bryan Cooper (nearside) fended off Don't Touch It and Mark Walsh in race 3 at Gowran© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins continued his domination at Gowran as the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Bryan Cooper-ridden Stone Hard made it three wins in as many races for the Closutton outfit. The well-bred point-to-point and dual bumper scorer got his racecourse jumping career off to the perfect start by landing the Race That Stops A County Thyestes Jan 21st 2016 Maiden Hurdle.
Once clear pace-setter Liberty Jack came back to the field from before three out, there weren't too many in this big field with realistic hopes.
Stone Hard was better than Don't Touch It at the last, and he stayed on well up the run-in for a two length win.
The earlier Mullins winners were both ridden by Paul Townend - Footpad and American Tom
"We were a bit fortunate with the better jump at the last," said Mullins.
"I'd say he'd be in the staying division and we'll go out in trip with him. He's a beautiful looking horse."
(GC & EM)
