Sir Gerhard makes perfect start to hurdling career

Sir Gerhand was sent off a 2-9 favourite to get his new career off to a winning start and Paul Townend kept things simple

Sir Gerhard and Paul Townend win by 8 lenghts for trainer Willie Mullins. Picture: Healy Racing

Champion Bumper winner Sir Gerhard made a seamless transition to hurdling with a straightforward victory in the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Victorious at the Cheltenham Festival on his first start for Willie Mullins having been with Gordon Elliott, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding met with the first defeat of his career at the Punchestown Festival.