Kaid D’authie bounced back from a fall on his Irish debut to confirm his tall reputation in the Savills Maiden Hurdle, the opening race on day three of the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.

The French import was sent off at prohibitive odds at Navan when falling around halfway but was easier in the market here going off at 7/2.

Mark Walsh’s mount was prominent throughout and kept on well on the long run-in (the final hurdle was omitted due to the low sun) to beat Koktail Divin by half-a-length. Krak was a further nine lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “He’s a lovely big, long-striding horse who has very little respect for his hurdles and looks like he could be more of a chaser.

“He’s a big chasing type and is a similar type to Majborough. They both cover a huge amount of ground when they gallop.

“I’d say he’ll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival and take on the top two-milers and we’ll see where he is then.”

Paddy Power and Betfair make the winner 10/1 (from 16/1) for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.