LAGANBANK looks like being another exciting member of the powerful Willie Mullins team, judged on his promising victory at Listowel. The five-year-old followed up his win at Galway last month with an authoritative success in the novice hurdle.

He was held up in last place by Ruby Walsh in the early stages of the race before getting into a challenging position with the minimum of fuss. He ranged menacingly alongside Alderwood and got the better of his rival without being fully extended to win by a length.

Mullins said: “It was a tactical race and Ruby didn’t want to get into a battle with Alderwood, who we know stays well. I was a bit worried about the ground beforehand but he’s a much stronger horse this year and seems to handle it much better.

“There is a race at Tipperary in a few weeks but that may come a bit too soon, and his main target is probably the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse.”

Walsh, having his second winner since returning from injury, believes Laganbank is one to follow. “He’s an exciting horse for the future,” he said.