Cousin Vinny back in business

Cousin Vinny finally recorded his first win of the season with a battling display in the Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

The seven-year-old looked destined for the top after rounding off the last campaign with a fine second in Grade One company at Punchestown, but he failed to fire in three starts over fences.

Cousin Vinny was again well held in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham last time but sent off at 11-10 for this lesser event, he was settled at the rear of the four runners by Ruby Walsh.

Head Of The Posse looked the most likely winner when easing to the front halfway up the straight, but Walsh was in determined mood and galvanised Cousin Vinny on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: "He's back to himself. He did what the handicapper said he should do.

"Ruby was happy enough with him and said that he jumped better than at Cheltenham.

"We'll aim him at Punchestown now. He's in the stayers' and champion hurdle but the stayers' hurdle is more likely.

"We'll decide after that what to do next year but he'll probably go back chasing."