So Young so good

So Young: A lot of options

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh combined with So Young who saw off three rivals in the Follow Navan On Facebook Hurdle.

Walsh's partner, third in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, took over from Perfect Smile at the head of affairs a long way out to inject some pace into the race.

Runner-up Trifolium looked to be travelling every bit as well as the 1-3 favourite at the second-last, but So Young's class showed from then on.

Walsh rode him out firmly to the line to eventually win easily by seven and a half lengths.

"The trip is definitely on the sharp side for him but that rode a good race, they went a good gallop and he quickened up well. I don't know where he'll go next but I imagine he'll have a lot of options." the winning rider told At The Races.

Cheltenham Entries

Mullins added: "Ruby was not afraid to make the pace and he did it well from the front.

"He jumped well and is a horse with lots of stamina - his best trip is way beyond that.

"The Boyne Hurdle here next month is a possibility. He will be entered in the Champion Hurdle and the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

"In a fast-run, two-mile race he would be competitive, but I have no doubt that his future lies over two mile plus."

Sky Bet left the winner unchanged at 16-1 for the latter contest.

Mullins and Walsh had earlier combined to win the opening maiden hurdle with Terminal who justified odds-on favouritism in impressive fashion on his jumping bow.