Mullins' odds-on chance Lords it over rivals

The second split of the Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle went to the 1/3 favourite Ho My Lord

By State Man's sire Doctor Dino, the grey tracked the leaders before moving up to challenge three out. Taking over in front at the next, he was pushed out on the run-in by Paul Townend to beat Banjaxed by four and a half lengths.

A winner of a Flat maiden over 1m6f in France, Ho My Lord was sent off 5/2 second favourite for his Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas when an early faller. The form of that maiden has been working out well and was again advertised by the victory of Firm Footings in the first division of this particular contest.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: “He got his confidence back quickly after his fall at Christmas. He jumped high over the first few but then came down and started to hurdle.

“He met a few on the wrong stride but got over them, down the back, and then when Paul needed him he came up over the last three.

“The further he was going the better he was going and I'd imagine we'll go out in trip.

“He's in the Ballymore (16/1 from 50s with Paddy Power) and that would look a possible target. He's earmarked for that, I think he has enough ability to go for it and he showed today that he jumped well enough.

“It was unfortunate what happened at Christmas.”

Quotes from Gary Carson