Vinny runs in opening race maiden Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite and Cheltenham Bumper winner Cousin Vinny looks to have been found an easy opportunity to gain his first victory over timber at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day. Willie Mullins, who has a strong team of novice hurdlers this season, has resisted the temptation to run him again in Grade 1 company and instead been declared for the opening Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle over two miles and two furlongs. Although Cousin Vinny lost his unbeaten record in last month's Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, he shaped extremely encouragingly to be third behind his stablemate Hurricane Fly. Mullins' son Patrick gets the leg-up against 23 rivals, of which Superior Ben and Attercliffe may prove the pick. 'I am very happy with how he came out of the race, and how he has progressed so far. We just decided that this was the direction we were going to take,' said Mullins. Mullins.
